The Israeli occupation launched a series of intensive airstrikes today, Monday, targeting the Southern Suburbs of Beirut and vast areas across South Lebanon, signaling the onset of a full-scale war. As of the time of this statement, these attacks have resulted in the killing of 31 individuals and the injury of 149 others, according to data provided by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.
This escalation coincides with evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military affecting more than 55 villages and towns in South Lebanon. Amidst ongoing strikes and increasing rhetoric regarding a potential ground invasion, mass displacement movements have surged, severely exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in densely populated regions.
The Reality of Palestinian Refugee Camps
The Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) expresses its profound concern for the fate of Palestinian refugees. Notably, five of the most critical Palestinian camps are located within the regional scope of the current threats in the South:
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Tyre Region: Rashidieh, Burj al-Shemali, and El-Buss camps.
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Sidon Region: Ain al-Hilweh and Miye ou Miye camps.
These camps are characterized by extreme population density and makeshift, interconnected structures that lack basic safety standards during wartime. Consequently, any targeting of their surroundings or the geographical expansion of Israeli strikes constitutes an imminent humanitarian catastrophe.
Escalation in Beirut: Shatila Camp
In addition to the threats in the South, Witness expresses its deep alarm regarding the situation in the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut. The camp has witnessed states of extreme terror and panic due to the violent strikes targeting the adjacent Southern Suburbs. The camp's proximity to the strikes and the impact of massive explosions on its dilapidated buildings have forced families into compulsory displacement toward safer areas. This underscores the comprehensive nature of the threat facing the Palestinian presence in Lebanon as a whole.
The Collapse of UNRWA Services
The danger is further magnified by the sharp decline and near-collapse of services provided by UNRWA. This leaves Palestinian refugees without a relief or medical "umbrella" to face the repercussions of displacement or injury. The unstable regional threats leave Palestinians without safe alternative shelter or any tangible emergency contingency plans.
Demands for Action
Witness addresses the international community and relevant agencies with the following urgent demands:
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Immediate Intervention: The international community must act immediately to halt the Israeli aggression and provide protection for populated areas and overcrowded refugee camps.
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UNRWA Contingency Activation: UNRWA must move urgently to resume its relief role, open equipped shelters, and secure medical and food supplies for the displaced.
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Accountability: Witness holds the international community responsible for any disregard for the suffering of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon amidst this unprecedented escalation.
Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)