Nearly One Million Civilians Forcibly Displaced in Lebanon Due to Israeli Aggression

Following a series of escalating Israeli aggressions, Lebanon is facing one of the most severe displacement crises in its recent history. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned on 29 September 2024 that the number of displaced people could reach nearly one million. The relentless bombardment, primarily targeting the Shia Muslim areas of southern Lebanon, Bekaa Valley, and Beirut southern suburb Dahieh, has resulted in the mass exodus of civilians, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters or, in some cases, being forced to sleep in open spaces.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized the unprecedented nature of the crisis, noting that humanitarian needs have overwhelmed the country’s already stretched resources. Caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassine revealed that around 250,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in shelters, though many more remain outside, with a total number of affected individuals likely to be four times higher.
The intensity of the Israeli strikes has disproportionately affected southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut. According to local officials, between Friday and Saturday alone, 82 airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, leveling seven residential buildings. This deadly assault claimed the lives of Hez-bollah Secretary-General Sayed Hassan Nasr-allah and other senior figures within the organization, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
This displacement crisis has been further compounded by Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse, with over 80 percent of the population living below the poverty line. The severe energy crisis has also left the state with the capacity to provide only two hours of electricity per day, exacerbating the struggles faced by the displaced and those left behind.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount as more Lebanese civilians, and even displaced Syrians, flee from the devastation, seeking safety. Many are crossing the border back into Syria to escape the escalating violence. In response to these events, international humanitarian agencies are warning of an impending catastrophe as Lebanon’s ability to support its population continues to be severely challenged.
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