Lebanon - Coordination meeting minutes, 15 July 2026

Content

1. Access Constraints Update

• The Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster (LTC) provided an update on the current logistics and access situation, noting that while the overall operational context remains largely unchanged, several developments have improved physical access. For example, Burj Rahal-Tyre Bridge was previously damaged in southern Lebanon has now been rehabilitated and reopened to light cargo and vehicle movements. Despite these improvements, humanitarian actors continue to rely on the same primary routes due to ongoing security considerations and access constraints in some southern areas.
• For movements to the South, the main route remains the coastal road towards Tyre, while access to Hasbaya, Chebaa and surrounding areas continues to be primarily routed through the Bekaa Valley before heading south. The Cluster also noted a gradual improvement in commercial access, with several partners reporting that suppliers and transport providers are now increasingly willing to deliver directly to larger southern locations such as Tyre and Hasbaya, compared to the more restrictive operating environment experienced in March and April.
• Entry points into Lebanon remain stable. Beirut International Airport has largely returned to normal operations, with multiple airlines now operating regular passenger and cargo services. Likewise, the Ports of Beirut and Tripoli remain fully operational. On land routes, Al-Masnaa remains the key operational border crossing for cargo movements, including the Logistics Cluster’s regional convoys from Jordan. Other crossings remain either restricted or inaccessible for official cargo transport.

• The LogIE access constraints map continues to be updated with verified reports on damaged infrastructure, operational challenges and movement restrictions. The Cluster encouraged partners to share updates on road conditions and access constraints through the LOGIE access map to ensure information remains current.

  2. Logistics Services and Activities

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

• The Cluster confirmed that its core operational setup remains unchanged, with continued focus on coordination, information management, storage services, and transport support.
• The Beirut warehouse remains operational and continues to provide common storage services. Following a review of utilisation rates, the available storage capacity has been reduced slightly to 1,000 pallet positions; however, current capacity remains sufficient to accommodate partner requests. If needs arise, the capacity can be expanded, depending on the requirements. 
• The Zahle storage service has been discontinued due to reduced demand. The Cluster explained that the service can be reactivated in the future should operational requirements justify reopening storage capacity in the Bekaa. Several partners have expressed interest in limited storage space in southern Lebanon, and the Cluster is currently exploring possible options to accommodate these needs. Organizations that have similar needs, are encouraged to reach out to the Logistics Cluster team, to support the planning and share potential solutions. 

• The Cluster also reported ongoing planning for capacity-strengthening activities, including logistics trainings, warehouse management support, fleet management guidance, emergency logistics preparedness, and the potential deployment of Mobile Storage Units (MSUs). Further details will be shared with partners once planning is finalized.

  FOUR-MONTH OPERATIONAL SNAPSHOT

• Since activation on 16 March, the Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster has engaged with 68 humanitarian organisations through coordination, information management and service provision activities. 
• Over the past four months, the Cluster facilitated 34 humanitarian convoys across Lebanon and 6 Jordan-Lebanon corridor convoys. Convoy operations transported nearly 6,000 cubic metres of humanitarian cargo, with WASH representing the largest share, followed by food, shelter, health and education commodities. The cargo delivered to 19 locations supported humanitarian activities across more than 100 villages through onward distribution mechanisms.

• On the telecommunications side, the Cluster maintained global and national coordination, conducted assessments in seven locations, and continued analysing connectivity needs and telecommunications gaps in southern Lebanon to support humanitarian operations.

  Jordan - Lebanon Corridor

• The Cluster highlighted the continued operation of the Jordan–Lebanon convoy service, which remains an important mechanism both for humanitarian cargo transport and for maintaining operational readiness along a strategic supply corridor. 
  • The process starts with the submission of a Service Request Form (SRF), followed by bilateral coordination with the requesting organisation to verify cargo details and operational requirements. The Cluster clarified that every submission automatically generates an email containing a tracking number and QR code, which can be used to monitor the request. In cases where this email cannot be located, partners were encouraged to contact the Cluster directly at lebanon.clustercargo@wfp.org, which can retrieve the tracking information.
  • Partners are responsible for delivering their cargo to the Logistics Cluster warehouse in Amman, after which the Logistics Cluster team in Jordan coordinates with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) on convoy scheduling. Once schedule is confirmed, they are shared with participating organizations. Humanitarian organizations are also required to submit an official notification letter to the Higher Relief Committee (HRC) in Lebanon, and the Cluster supports partners by sharing relevant contacts and facilitating the process where needed. 
  • Upon arrival at Rayak Air Base, the Logistics Cluster supports the reception process and oversees cargo distribution when multiple organizations are involved. However, partners remain responsible for arranging the cross-loading and onward transportation of their cargo from Rayak Air Base to their final destinations. The Cluster noted that limited case-by-case support for small NGOs and low-capacity organizations may be available for storage and cross-loading requirements, subject to prior coordination.

• The Cluster highlighted that accurate cargo information is essential to prepare suitable trucks, forklifts, storage arrangements and cross-loading capacity in Rayak, where cargo must be cleared and transferred within a limited timeframe.

  In-Country Logistics Services

• Partners were encouraged to share any operational plans, assessments or identified needs that may support convoy planning and prioritisation. The schedule for the upcoming convoys is available online and is shared with partners once new locations and dates are identified.
• The Logistics Cluster provided a reminder on how to access its common logistics services within Lebanon. All service requests, including storage and transport support, must be submitted through the online Service Request Form (SRF). Upon receipt, the Cluster engages directly with partners to coordinate cargo reception, storage, and transport arrangements.
• The Cluster continues to provide case-by-case cargo pick-up support for smaller organizations and highlighted the importance of consulting the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which are available on the Logistics Cluster website and updated regularly. Key operational requirements include submitting SRFs at least four days before a planned convoy, while convoy destinations are generally communicated approximately five days in advance.

• It was reiterated that access to Logistics Cluster services is limited to organizations registered under the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP). Cargo intended for storage must be properly palletized and wrapped, with pallet heights not exceeding 1.6 metres. The Cluster typically utilizes 10-ton trucks and operates convoys of up to 15 trucks, carrying both partner cargo and WFP shipments.

  Logistics Outlook Workshop

• The Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster (LTC) informed partners about an upcoming in-person logistics workshop, scheduled for 21 July at the WFP office. The primary objective of the workshop is to conduct a more detailed assessment of the remaining logistics gaps and operational challenges faced by partners and to identify ways in which the Cluster can better support ongoing operations. Partners were encouraged to express the interest by applying through the form till 17 July.

  3. Prioritizing Locations for Humanitarian Convoys – South OCG

•  The Operational Coordination Group (OCG) provided an overview of the process used to identify and prioritise locations for humanitarian convoy movements to hard-to-reach areas in southern Lebanon. Prioritisation is carried out through close coordination between the OCG, the Logistics Cluster, sector partners, local authorities, Governorates, the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) units, and the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) teams. The process aims to ensure that convoys target locations with the greatest humanitarian needs while considering access constraints and operational feasibility.
• Priority locations are identified based on several criteria, including population size, accessibility, and reported humanitarian needs. Population figures and area-level information are provided by DRM and DRR counterparts, while humanitarian sectors and operational partners regularly share updated needs and priorities. The resulting prioritisation is reviewed and updated on a bi-weekly basis, allowing convoy planning to adapt to the evolving situation on the ground.
• The OCG noted that convoy schedules are shared with partners through a common coordination platform and are confirmed in coordination with local authorities before dissemination. The schedules include not only Logistics Cluster convoys but also movements planned by UN agencies, international NGOs, national organisations, and other humanitarian actors. This approach supports operational coordination, visibility on planned movements, and reduction of duplication of assistance
• In addition, the OCG highlighted the importance of strong coordination with the Access Working Group, which provides updates on access constraints and route conditions. Information gathered during convoy operations is shared back with the Access Working Group to support broader humanitarian access analysis and planning.

• Partners should reach out to the relevant channels of the OCG, or to the Logistics and Telecoms Cluster directly, if any concerns or suggestions about the convoy destinations. For those locations that do not receive any interest from partners, the Cluster will reach out bilaterally to better understand why humanitarian organizations do not support the areas prioritized by the OCG. 

  4. EU Humanitarian Air Bridge Updates - HULO

• The EU Humanitarian Air Bridge (HULO) team informed partners that no flights to Lebanon are currently planned, as no new transport requests have been received. Partners anticipating cargo movements to Lebanon were encouraged to submit requests on the Hulo Platform or via email on euhab@hulo.coop, which will be used to assess demand and determine the feasibility of scheduling future humanitarian flights.

• The HULO team informed partners that several organizations had expressed interest in conducting a QUAMED assessment. In response, HULO is initiating the assessment process and will reach out to relevant health-sector organizations to gauge interest and participation.

  5. Emergency Telecommunications Updates

• The Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster (LTC) provided an update on recent telecommunications activities supporting humanitarian operations in southern Lebanon. Recent field assessments conducted during convoy movements to Rmeich identified persistent connectivity gaps in several locations along the route and in remote areas of the South. A roaming GSM solution was tested during the mission; however, results showed that a number of areas continue to experience limited or no connectivity. Additional assessments are planned to better understand coverage gaps and identify potential solutions that could support both convoy operations and the wider humanitarian community.
• The Cluster also reported on the successful testing of an Iridium docking station installed on an armored vehicle during a mission to Qlayaa. The test demonstrated stable and reliable connectivity throughout the entire mission, providing promising results for future deployments and operational use.

• Partners experiencing telecommunications challenges or interested in potential connectivity support services were encouraged to contact the LTC team directly. The Cluster noted that further assessments and discussions are ongoing to determine what telecommunications services may be provided to support humanitarian operations.

  The date of the next coordination meeting will be communicated through mailing list and dedicated WhatsApp group.

Contacts