Escalation of the conflict in Lebanon

The current situation follows a series of Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives aimed at countering Hezbollah’s rocket attacks, which began in solidarity with Hamas after the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7. This has led to a rapid increase in displacement, with over 1 million people reported to have been affected in Lebanon, including a growing number of Palestinian refugees. Camps such as Ein el Hilweh, el Buss, and Beddawi have experienced direct hits, prompting evacuation orders and creating a climate of fear among residents. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is responding to the growing humanitarian crisis, with thousands of displaced individuals seeking shelter in facilities adapted for this purpose.

Impact on Palestinian Refugees

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, many of whom have lived in camps since fleeing their homes in 1948, are now facing the realities of conflict that they have only witnessed through news reports. The psychological toll is significant, as families like that of Manal Sharari, who had previously shielded their children from the horrors of war, are now experiencing the sounds of bombings firsthand. The situation has forced many, including Sharari and her family, to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in makeshift shelters, highlighting the cyclical nature of displacement and conflict in the region.

Humanitarian Response

As the conflict escalates, UNRWA is actively preparing to accommodate the increasing number of displaced individuals. With reports indicating that around 20,000 Palestinian refugees have already been displaced from southern camps, the agency has opened multiple shelters and is considering further expansions to meet the growing needs. However, concerns remain about the safety of these facilities, especially given the history of U.N. centers in Gaza being targeted during conflicts. Local NGOs are also involved in providing support, but the overall response to the humanitarian crisis is strained as the conflict continues to evolve.