A 20-year-old humanitarian worker with the Order of Malta was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, as escalating violence continues to hit civilian areas and strain aid operations.
Chadi Ammar died on March 13 when the strike hit the town of Aïn Ebel, where he was working in the Order’s agro-humanitarian program focused on food security in the southern border region.
The attack struck an area where civilians were present. Ammar was on the roof of a building with two other young men who had chosen to remain in their Christian village. They were trying to restore internet connectivity so residents could stay in contact with one another and with displaced families. All three were killed in the explosion.
The Order of Malta said Ammar was part of a network of volunteers and staff supporting humanitarian work across conflict-affected communities in Lebanon.
“The death of young Chadi Ammar deeply saddens us. He was part of our large family, which dedicates itself daily with devotion and courage to serving the most vulnerable. His commitment and willingness to serve will always be an example to us,” said Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, expressing condolences to Ammar’s family and to members of the Order in Lebanon.
His death comes as a renewed military escalation in the Middle East spreads into Lebanon, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation.
Recent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions have caused hundreds of casualties and more than a thousand injuries. Around 800,000 people have been displaced, while many others remain in areas marked by fear and uncertainty.
The crisis adds to years of compounding pressures in Lebanon, including the presence of more than one million Syrian refugees, the economic collapse in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion in 2020, and the 2024 conflict with Israel. Between 70 and 80 percent of the population is now estimated to be living in poverty.
Despite the risks, the Order of Malta said it continues to provide assistance across the country.
“As the crisis deepens,” said Oumayma Farah, Director of Development and Communication for the Order of Malta in Lebanon. “The Order continues to stand alongside displaced families and the most vulnerable communities. Humanitarian teams are on the ground, providing healthcare and medical consultations through mobile medical units, distributing food and hygiene kits, offering psychosocial support and preparing hot meals through our mobile kitchens.”
Many displaced families are sheltering in schools converted into temporary centers. Classrooms often house 10 to 12 people sleeping on the floor and sharing limited sanitation facilities, raising concerns over hygiene and health conditions.
The Order of Malta has been present in Lebanon for more than 60 years and runs around 60 programs nationwide. These include primary healthcare centers, mobile medical units, agro-humanitarian centers, community kitchens and social services for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
The organization said it will continue its humanitarian work despite the risks, as needs grow among displaced families and communities affected by the conflict.
