Lebanese refugees seek shelter in public spaces due to ongoing Israeli attacks

Lebanon Experiences Widespread Displacement Due to Israeli Attacks

A recent escalation of violence between Israel and Lebanon has resulted in significant displacement of civilians. According to reports, over 800,000 people, approximately 15% of the country’s population, have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began.

The situation is attributed to a series of air attacks by Israel on Lebanese territory, which started after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has also drawn Lebanon back into the wider Middle East conflict, 15 months after the last Israel-Hezbollah war.

Lebanese authorities report that only a small fraction of displaced individuals, approximately 132,000 people, are currently residing in collective shelters. The majority of those affected are scattered across various locations, including with relatives, in unfinished buildings, or on the streets.

The United Nations has launched a $308 million flash appeal to provide assistance to Lebanon in addressing the consequences of the conflict. As of Sunday, Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 850 reported fatalities and over 2,100 injuries in Lebanon, including 107 children and 66 women, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

Source: Al Jazeera