June Crisis Update

• Israel stepped up both the rate and depth of its shelling of Lebanese territory in
  June, when Israeli shelling killed 7 civilians, raising the total non-combatant death toll since October 8, 2023 to 97. Concern is growing over the use of phosphorus munitions, which pose serious risks to civilians and the environment. The number of internally displaced persons has now reached 96,829, a slight increase over May.

• The General Directorate of General Security demanded full access to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data on Syrian refugees. This coincides with rising anti-Syrian sentiment across Lebanon and the implementation of stricter state measures against Syrian nationals.

• According to the BTA-Fransabank Retail Index, business activity declined in the first quarter of 2024, likely due to regional conflict, declining household purchasing power, and a lack of investor confidence in the government and financial sector. Consumers, forced to prioritize essentials, are spending less, further dampening the economy.

• The Teachers Union announced that private schools must inform their teaching staff about the value of their salaries for the upcoming academic year. The Union also said that at least 60% of private school teacher salaries should be paid in US dollars (USD).

• The Central Bank extended Circular 158 and Circular 166 through June 2025, making minor amendments to the eligibility criteria for both. Account holders can only benefit from one of the two circulars at a time, limiting maximum monthly withdrawals to USD 400.

By Crisis Analytics Team, Mercy Corps Lebanon