Displacement Crisis in Lebanon: Schools Transform into Shelters for the Displaced
As violence escalates in southern Lebanon, Dr. Nazih Al-Bizri Public High School in Sidon has opened its doors to displaced families, marking a humanitarian response to the ongoing conflict. Hajja Shama Fanash, a grandmother who fled the Bustan area, described her harrowing experience of being displaced multiple times, carrying only the essentials while her grandchildren sit beside her in despair. The Israeli military's relentless attacks since October 8 have led to the deaths of 356 individuals, including 24 children and 42 women, with over 1,246 injured according to the Public Health Emergency Operations Center.
In response to the increasing number of displaced individuals, many schools across Beirut and Sidon have been repurposed as shelters. Local authorities and civil society organizations are working tirelessly to coordinate the distribution of humanitarian aid and provide essential supplies. Majed Hamadto, a coordinator of civil society organizations, emphasized the need for additional shelters, stating that Sidon is prepared to accommodate more displaced families if necessary.
Local Resilience Amidst Crisis
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the spirit of resilience among the displaced is palpable. Umm Ahmad, a resident from Ma'roub, expressed her determination to return home, stating, “We will remain steadfast, and with unbreakable determination, we will return to the south with pride and dignity.” In Beirut, the technical institute in Bir Hassan has also begun receiving displaced families, providing them with basic necessities, including mattresses and drinking water.
Lebanon's Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, has issued directives to governors to facilitate the opening of public schools and institutes as shelters. Locations such as the Education and Training Institute in Zahle, the official Tyre School, and various others in Mount Lebanon are now serving as safe havens for those fleeing violence. Mawlawi has called upon security forces to maintain order and protect displaced individuals, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated response to this humanitarian crisis.
