Thousands of families from southern Lebanon are fleeing the deadliest Israeli bombardment since 2006, with around 100,000 people already displaced since October due to the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. As the situation escalates, the number of evacuees is expected to rise.
In response to the crisis, schools in Beirut and beyond have been repurposed to accommodate the newly displaced, with volunteers working tirelessly to provide essential supplies such as water, medicine, and mattresses.
In Sidon, people seeking shelter have crowded into schools, some waiting outside on sidewalks due to the lack of mattresses. Displaced individuals like Ramzieh Dawi and Fatima Chehab shared their harrowing experiences of fleeing their homes multiple times to escape the bombings.
Israeli military warnings to evacuate eastern and southern Lebanon have led to chaotic scenes, with hundreds of casualties reported on Monday. The toll of the conflict is particularly devastating for a country still recovering from recent attacks.
Israeli officials have cited pressure on Hezbollah as the reason for the airstrikes, aiming to halt rocket attacks into northern Israel. However, Hezbollah insists on a cease-fire in Gaza before considering a truce.
Despite the challenges, volunteers like Minar al-Natour are working diligently to prepare for the influx of evacuees, securing essential supplies and setting up shelters. Meanwhile, residents in Beirut are taking precautions in anticipation of further escalations.
The U.N. has allocated $24 million in emergency funding to assist those affected by the conflict, recognizing Lebanon's fragile state amidst multiple crises. Imran Riza, the U.N.'s humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, emphasized the urgent need for support as the hostilities continue.
As the situation unfolds, the resilience and determination of those affected by the conflict remain evident, with individuals like Yahya Abu Ali expressing defiance in the face of adversity while also expressing concern for loved ones left behind.
