Lebanon's Displacement Crisis: Beirut Shelters Thousands in 2024
2024-10-16 00:00- Over 1.2 million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes, particularly from southern and eastern regions.
- The influx of displaced individuals has led to a humanitarian crisis in Beirut, straining local resources and raising fears of sectarian strife.
- Urgent calls for international assistance and a cease-fire are being made as the situation continues to deteriorate.
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Insights
Beirut, Lebanon, is currently facing a humanitarian crisis as over 1.2 million displaced individuals have fled their homes due to extensive destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes. Many of these individuals are from southern and eastern Lebanon, particularly from areas known to be strongholds of Hezbollah. The displaced have sought refuge in various locations throughout the city, including public schools, exhibition centers, and even nightclubs, leading to a significant strain on local resources. The situation has raised concerns about potential chaos and sectarian strife among Lebanon's divided population, particularly regarding the role of Hezbollah in the ongoing conflict with Israel. Former Interior Minister Marwan Charbel has expressed worries that if the war continues, the risk of internal violence could increase, especially as more people are forced to evacuate. Despite the challenges, local volunteers have stepped up to provide support to the displaced, offering food, medicine, and shelter. However, the sheer number of people affected has overwhelmed the country's already strained resources, with many individuals left to fend for themselves. The destruction in Lebanon is reported to be more extensive than during the 2006 conflict, and experts emphasize the need for international assistance for reconstruction efforts. Calls for a cease-fire and adherence to international resolutions are growing, as the situation remains dire and uncertain for the displaced population.
Contexts
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated dramatically since the onset of the war on Gaza last October. Reports from Beirut indicate that the situation has devolved into a full-blown war, with both sides exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border. The recent Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with other commanders, marked a significant turning point in the ongoing hostilities. Israel's military has intensified its attacks, targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, while Hezbollah retaliates with its own strikes, leading to a cycle of violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides. Hezbollah, formed in 1982 to resist the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, has grown into a formidable military force over the decades. By 1985, it had successfully pushed Israeli troops back to the Litani River, establishing a so-called security zone that was policed by the South Lebanon Army, an Israeli proxy. The group has since transitioned into Lebanese politics, holding a significant number of parliamentary seats, but its primary goal remains the elimination of the state of Israel. The recent escalation has seen a staggering number of casualties, with reports indicating that at least 41,500 people have died in the Gaza conflict alone. In Lebanon, the humanitarian crisis deepens as over 1.2 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing violence. The United Nations has recorded thousands of incidents of artillery fire, highlighting the intensity of the conflict. As the situation continues to deteriorate, both Israel and Hezbollah appear entrenched in their positions, with no immediate resolution in sight. The international community watches with concern as the potential for further escalation looms, threatening to engulf the region in a broader conflict.
