June Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: Israel stepped up both the rate and depth of its shelling of Lebanese territory inJune, 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...
Market Impact – MPCA
Key Findings: Multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) enables recipients to consume higher quality products, such as nutritious foodstuffs, and in greater quantities than if they had not collected MPCA. Sales of meat and poultry, for example, increased in areas populated...
Community participation in the design of multi-purpose cash programmes – Perspectives from the field
The design of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programs, especially when implemented at scale, is often driven by technical considerations. The conversations often focus on the survival minimum expenditure basket, financial service provider’s fees and targeting...
May Crisis Update
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,...
Lebanon’s 2024 Budget: Austerity and Regressive Taxes
Key Takeaways: The 2024 budget’s revenues and expenditures are significantly smaller in real terms3 compared to pre-crisis budgets due to the country’s contracted economy. Long-term investment allocations are insufficient to support sustained economic recovery. Low...
April Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: For the third time, Lebanon’s parliament has voted to postpone municipal elections, extending the mandates of mukhtars and municipal councils until May 2025. The ongoing cross-border conflict between Hezbollah and the Israeli military was cited as the...
Community consultations for the design of multipurpose cash assistance programs in Lebanon
Key Findings: Unlike the Syrian refugee crisis, Lebanese communities receiving or in need of assistance have not been displaced. Instead, they have been forced to contend with the effects of Lebanon’s economic and financial crisis, cutting across traditional...
March Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: Total Israeli shelling incidents in southern Lebanon decreased in March; however, individual strikes were more lethal and destructive, causing significant damage to infrastructure and private homes. Israel also continued targeting the Bekaa Valley with...
February Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: The National Social Security Fund announced that it raised the exchange rate – effective February 1 – at which it calculates payments and transfers to 89,000 Lebanese pounds (LBP) per 1 US dollar (USD). The new exchange rate will apply to...
January Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel along Lebanon’s southern border continued throughout January, killing six civilians and causing extensive damage. The rate of Israeli and Hezbollah strikes was in keeping with past months, though Israel expanded...