{"id":6689,"date":"2026-04-17T20:27:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T17:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhrclb.org\/archives\/6689"},"modified":"2026-04-17T20:29:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T17:29:54","slug":"%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%ac%d9%84%d8%b3-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%88%d8%b7%d9%86%d9%8a-%d9%84%d9%84%d8%a8%d8%ad%d9%88%d8%ab-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%8a%d9%88%d8%ab%d9%91%d9%82-%d8%af%d9%85","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nhrclb.org\/en\/archives\/6689","title":{"rendered":"The National Council for Scientific Research documents the destruction of the housing sector"},"content":{"rendered":"

The scale of the rapidly escalating destruction inflicted on the housing sector as a result of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon in 2026 is becoming increasingly evident, reflecting one of the most severe waves of targeting since the outbreak of the war. In this context, the National Council for Scientific Research, through the National Center for Natural Hazards and Early Warning, emerges as a leading scientific authority in documenting and analyzing this destruction based on accurate, evidence-based data.<\/p>\n

According to a report prepared by investigative journalist Lili Gerges and published in An-Nahar newspape<\/a>r, the data indicate that Lebanon witnessed more than 5,200 attacks over a period not exceeding 35 days, resulting in the destruction or damage of approximately 40,000 housing units, at an average of around 1,081 units per day. This figure not only reflects the scale of the losses but also reveals an unprecedented pace in the destruction of residential areas, with a significant portion of the damage occurring within a very short timeframe compared to earlier phases of the war.<\/p>\n

A scientific role at the heart of the crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n

The role of the National Council for Scientific Research goes beyond merely collecting figures; it extends to building an integrated system for monitoring and analysis. The National Center for Natural Hazards relies on advanced technologies, including remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, artificial intelligence, and community-based sources, alongside field verification. This methodology enables the production of accurate and reliable data used to assess the scale of damage and guide response efforts. This role is particularly critical in contexts of conflicting information during armed conflicts, as the Council provides a neutral scientific reference that contributes to understanding patterns of targeting and documenting violations affecting residential infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Geography of destruction and its expanding scope<\/strong><\/p>\n

The data show that the destruction was not confined to a narrow geographical area or traditional frontlines, but rather extended across a wide spectrum of Lebanese regions, from the capital and its suburbs to the south and the Bekaa. The southern suburbs of Beirut recorded the highest levels of damage, followed by Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil district, and the city of Tyre, areas characterized by both high population density and socio-economic significance.<\/p>\n

This geographical distribution reflects not only the intensity of targeting but also an expansion in the pattern of military operations, as strikes were no longer limited to peripheral or border areas but extended to densely populated urban centers and civilian communities. The spread of destruction across entire neighborhoods led to the collapse of local infrastructure, including water and electricity networks, roads, and essential facilities, thereby complicating relief efforts and slowing response operations.<\/p>\n

Moreover, this expansion indicates that the destruction has transcended regional, sectarian, and economic boundaries, making its impact nationally pervasive and threatening to deepen developmental disparities, particularly in already vulnerable areas.<\/p>\n

Alarming acceleration compared to previous wars<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although previous wars, particularly between 2023 and 2024, recorded higher cumulative numbers of damaged units, the defining feature of the current phase is the unprecedented acceleration in the pace of destruction. Within just 35 days, tens of thousands of housing units were damaged or destroyed, figures that previously required months or even years to accumulate.<\/p>\n

This acceleration reflects a qualitative shift in the nature of operations, in terms of the intensity, simultaneity, and geographical breadth of strikes, as well as the use of weapons capable of inflicting widespread damage in a short period. Incidents involving highly concentrated strikes within minutes point to a pattern aimed at producing rapid and comprehensive shock on the ground.<\/p>\n

This rapid escalation significantly reduces the capacity of local communities and institutions to adapt or recover gradually, transforming crises from cumulative processes into immediate shocks that exceed response capacities.<\/p>\n

Deep humanitarian and economic consequences<\/strong><\/p>\n

The impact of this destruction extends far beyond the physical loss of housing to affect the social and economic fabric of Lebanese society. The loss of a home is not merely the loss of shelter, but also the fragmentation of family and community ties, and the erosion of memories and identity associated with place.<\/p>\n

Economically, the destruction of housing units generates a cascade of consequences, including:<\/p>\n