Key Takeaways:
- Israel escalated its shelling of southern Lebanon and expanded its use of phosphorus munitions, which pose long-term environmental risks. Israeli strikes killed 14 civilians, bringing the non-combatant death toll to 90, and destroyed many homes, complicating the return of displaced persons. For its part, Hezbollah stepped up its attacks, which included strikes deep into Israeli territory. International mediation efforts remain stalled, and tied to ending the Israeli military operation in Gaza.
- The Lebanese government is ramping up efforts to regulate Syrian nationals’ legal status in Lebanon and expedite their return, including by imposing stricter residency requirements and facilitating “voluntary returns.” The government is also pressuring the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide more data on Syrian nationals in Lebanon and to cooperate with state-led return efforts, amid calls by the parliament for the government to form a committee to regulate refugee returns, improve border security, and reformulate border controls.
- The European Union pledged a 1 billion euro aid package to Lebanon to be disbursed by 2027. The package is earmarked to support the healthcare and education sectors and to aid the state as it continues to host Syrian refugees, with a portion earmarked to enhance the capacity of Lebanese security services in enforcing border control and managing migration flows.
- During a recent visit to Lebanon, International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials stressed that, in the absence of fiscal reforms and financial restructuring, Lebanon will likely not experience recovery in the near term.
- On May 10, caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announced the launch of a security plan for greater Beirut that includes recruiting 800 additional Internal Security Forces officers. Under the plan, patrols and checkpoints were increased, which led to the seizure of 1,650 unregistered motorcycles during the month. Residents criticized the measures, claiming that the plan did not take into account the closure of vehicle registration centers in past months.
By Crisis Analytics Team, Mercy Corps Lebanon
