War in Gaza Becomes a Personal Reality for Palestinian Refugees Living in Lebanon

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has deeply affected Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Many reside in camps established after 1948, when their ancestors fled the land that became Israel. They have watched the devastation in Gaza with growing concern. Although Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have targeted some figures from Hamas and other groups, the camps housing around 200,000 refugees were previously considered relatively safe.

However, this sense of security has been shattered. Tens of thousands of refugees have fled as Israel launched an offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. For many, the horrors they witnessed on screens have become a harsh reality.

Refugees' Lives Disrupted by Conflict

Manal Sharari, from Rashidiyeh camp near Tyre, tried to shield her daughters from images of war in Gaza. Yet, she couldn't protect them from nearby bomb sounds. "They were afraid and would get anxious every time they heard the sound of a strike," Sharari said. Recently, the Israeli military warned camp residents to evacuate due to a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.

Sharari's family fled to a UNRWA-run shelter in Sebline, 55 km north. About 1,400 people are staying there now. Mariam Moussa, from Burj Shamali camp near Tyre, also fled with her family when strikes hit their camp's outskirts. "We would see the scenes in Gaza... And in the end, we had to flee our houses, same as them," she said.

Increasing Numbers of Displaced People

Israeli officials stated that their offensive aims to push Hezbollah back and allow northern Israel residents to return home. The Lebanese group began launching rockets into Israel after the October 7 Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel and subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza. This led to a prolonged conflict that has sharply escalated recently.

Lebanese authorities report over 1 million displaced people, with Palestinian refugees forming a small but growing portion. At least three camps—Ein el Hilweh, el Buss, and Beddawi—have been directly hit by airstrikes or received evacuation warnings.

UNRWA's Response to the Crisis

Dorothee Klaus, UNRWA's director in Lebanon, noted that around 20,000 Palestinian refugees have been displaced from southern camps. As of Thursday, UNRWA was hosting about 4,300 people—including Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees—in 12 shelters. "This is a number that is now steadily going to increase," Klaus said.

The agency is preparing to open three more shelters if necessary. "We have been preparing for this emergency for weeks and months," Klaus added.

Struggles of Refugees Amidst Uncertainty

Outside Sebline's centre, Lebanese citizen Abbas Ferdoun set up a makeshift store from his van after fleeing his shop near Burj Shemali camp two weeks ago. "Lebanese, Syrians, Palestinians, we're all in the same situation," Ferdoun remarked.

In Gaza, UN centres housing displaced people have been targeted by strikes; Israeli officials claim militants use these centres. Some fear this could happen again in Lebanon. Hicham Kayed from Al-Jana NGO expressed concern over weak international responses to such destruction in Gaza.

Sharari feels safe for now but worries about her father and others who stayed behind despite warnings—and whether she'll have a home to return to. She continues following news closely: "I'm following what's happening in Gaza and what's happening in Lebanon."