Society

By Tasneem Elridi Thousands of Lebanese families continue to suffer the consequences of an increasingly serious humanitarian crisis, despite the announcement of a ceasefire. According to the latest reports published by the United Nations and international organizations, the number of internally displaced persons now exceeds 1.049 million, while more than [...]

CNRS Infographic 2026 shows that 24 Lebanese beaches are bathed, but seven sites between Beirut and Jounieh are prohibited from bathing due to extreme pollution. The analysis reveals regional disparities, the impact of wastewater and microplastics, and gaps in infrastructure and governance. Solutions exist but require collective commitment.

Aqulina Chayeb won gold at the Tallinn European Open 2026 in -78 kg, a historic first for Lebanese judo.

The WHO report shows a ravaged Lebanon's health: hospitals hit, caregivers killed, displaced and diseases on the rise.

Henry Kaai launched his 2026 season in difficult conditions at the 41st Spring Rally, organized by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon. A victim of a road trip and mechanical problems on his Citroën DS3, however, the Lebanese pilot finished the race with his co-driver Georges Nader and won the RC4 R3T Cup. He now aims to defend his titles in front traction, rally and coast racing.

Alex Fghali and Joseph Matar won the 41st Spring Rally on Skoda Fabia RS, after a race organized by ATCL in Jbeil and Kesrouan. Bassel Abu Hamdan finished second at 14.4 seconds, ahead of Elias Dehni. The race turned after a three-minute penalty imposed on Roger Fghali, who had several better times, for early entry into the third stage.

Charbel Raad offers the Lebanese taekwondo bronze at the Luxembourg International Open, with Mark and Peter Zarifeh engaged.

Medicines in Lebanon remain available, but war, transport costs and rising consumption are weakening the market.

Laetitia Aoun validated her qualification for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan after reaching the quarter finals of the Asian Taekwondo Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in the category of less than 57 kg. Guided by Grand Master Elijah, the Lebanese champion confirmed her position after her Olympic race in Paris 2024. The Lebanese Taekwondo Federation is now preparing a specific programme before Aichi-Nagoya.

Marriage in Lebanon now occurs at very high ages, with 34.4 years for men and 30.4 years for women in comparable international data. This brings the country closer to Western Europe, but above all reflects a deep economic and social crisis. Inaccessible housing, unstable wages, destroyed savings, youth unemployment, emigration, long-term studies and absence of local civil marriage push back the family settlement.

Pope Leo XIV authorized the promulgation of a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Elias Hoyek, former Maronite patriarch and founding figure of Greater Lebanon. This decision paves the way for its beatification. The miracle concerns Nayef Abu Assi, Druze officer of the Lebanese army. In Lebanon, the announcement causes religious joy and a national echo, as Hoyek's name remains linked to the unity, coexistence and birth of modern Lebanon.

Iran did not become Shiite by mere missionaries from southern Lebanon. But the Jabal Amel has provided the Safavids with scientists, lawyers and doctrinal cadres essential to transforming a state decision into a lasting religious order. A more complex, political and fascinating story than the slogan.

In Lebanon, war no longer destroys only roads, bridges or houses. It reprograms the entire economy around urgency, short term and survival. Emergency aid, frozen investments, partial returns and exsanguated public finances are now drawing up a genuine prolonged war economy in the country.

In southern Lebanon, the ceasefire has not yet allowed a real return. Families return to their homes, control the damage, and then return to their temporary homes. Between repaired roads, reopened bridges and fear of a resumption of fighting, they now live between two lives, without being able to resettle permanently at home.