Since the explosion of communication
devices across Lebanon by the Israeli occupation on September 17,2024 followed
by a wide-scale aggression that started on early September 21, the region has
experienced an unprecedented Israeli escalation, the most severe since July
2006 war. This has led to massive waves of displacement, particularly south,
Beqaa, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. According to the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as of September 28, 2024, there are 785
collective shelters open, 551 of which have reached full capacity[1] . Palestinian refugees are among the hardest hit, with many
forced to flee their homes due to ongoing airstrikes targeting some camps in
Tyre (Al-Buss camp).
According to UNRWA statistics,
around 75,000 Palestinian refugees live in Tyre, distributed across camps and
gatherings (Rashidieh Camp, Al-Buss Camp, and Burj Al-Shamali Camp). Rashidieh
Camp is located south of Tyre and houses over 27,000 refugees, while Burj
Al-Shamali Camp is situated east of Tyre, sheltering more than 26,000 refugees.
Al-Buss Camp is also located to the east of Tyre and is home to over 9,500
refugees. In addition, the Qasmiyeh Gathering has a population of approximately
4,500, according to the Popular Committee's census. The Ma’ashuq Gathering,
located 3 km east of Tyre between Al-Buss and Burj Al-Shamali camps, shelters
about 3,000 Palestinian refugees, along with other gatherings in the coastal
area between Saida and Tyre.
Amid ongoing bombardment in Tyre and
the occupation army's warnings to evacuate to the north of Litani River, tens
of thousands of refugees were forced to leave their homes in search of safer
areas, mainly around Sidon. This large-scale displacement has overwhelmed
shelters, far exceeding their capacity, and has created significant challenges
in ensuring adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Field visits
conducted by the "Witness” team to various displacement centers revealed that
the number of displaced people in Sidon alone exceeds the total number of those
housed in UNRWA facilities. The displaced have been distributed across
different shelters, including state-run facilities under the supervision of
Sidon Municipality (such as public schools and institutions) and centers
operated by local NGOs. Some sought refuge with relatives in the Sidon area,
while others resorted to renting homes. This has led to a housing crisis, with
a severe shortage of available apartments and a sharp increase in rental
prices. In some cases, up to five families, totaling around 25 people, are
living in a single apartment.
It is clear that UNRWA's evaluation
of the humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli assaults, especially
concerning the needs of displaced Palestinian refugees, has fallen short. This
issue is further exacerbated by the agency's longstanding financial crisis.
Considering UNRWA's extensive experience in managing displaced populations in
Gaza, it would have been preferable for the organization to leverage this
expertise more effectively to address these critical challenges.
The situation of displaced
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, as a result of Israeli assaults, places them
in the midst of serious humanitarian challenges. Although UNRWA provides some
assistance for sheltering the displaced, the absence of precise statistics on
their numbers and distribution hampers effective response efforts. This
scenario underscores the urgent need for enhanced action from the international
community and humanitarian organizations to protect the rights of these
individuals and deliver the essential support they require.
Based on the dire situation of
displaced Palestinian refugees and the alarming humanitarian crisis they are facing;
the Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) urges the international
community to fulfill its responsibilities by intensifying efforts to provide
protection and meet the essential humanitarian needs of these individuals.
The Palestinian
Association for Human Rights (Witness)
October 3, 2024