World • 2h ago
Displaced Lebanese shelter in schools, stadiums amid Israeli attacks
**Lebanese Families Flee to Safety in Beirut Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated, and the consequences are being felt in Lebanon. Families from the southern part of the country are fleeing their homes due to Israeli air attacks and have taken shelter in stadiums and schools in the capital, Beirut. This is happening at a time when the US-Israel conflict with Iran has spilled over into the region.
According to reports, over 800,000 people - that's almost 15% of Lebanon's population - have been forced to leave their homes since Israel began bombarding the country. The trigger for this escalation was a response by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which launched rockets on Israel in protest of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This development has dragged Lebanon back into the broader Middle East conflict, just 15 months after the last Israel-Hezbollah war.
The Lebanese authorities say that only a small fraction of the displaced people, around 132,000, have taken shelter in collective facilities. The rest are scattered, with some staying with relatives, others taking refuge in unfinished buildings, and many sleeping on the streets.
To help alleviate the humanitarian crisis, the United Nations has launched a $308m flash appeal to support Lebanon in coping with the aftermath of the war. The situation is dire, with at least 850 people killed and over 2,100 others wounded in Lebanon since March 2, including 107 children and 66 women.
This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and the need for urgent international support. As the situation continues to unfold, it's essential for the international community to come together to provide aid and assistance to those affected in Lebanon.