Syrian refugees denied shelter as war displaces thousands in Lebanon

Many Syrian refugees who fled the war in Syria are facing new hardships after the resumption of fighting in Lebanon, as overcrowded state-run shelters prioritise Lebanese citizens displaced by the conflict.

According to The National, the publication contacted ten government shelters across the country, but only one reported having available space for new families. Staff at another shelter said by phone: “Only Lebanese. We don’t accept Syrians.”

In recent days, the Israel Defence Forces issued evacuation orders for residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut and areas of southern Lebanon, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes. These districts traditionally host large communities of Syrian refugees.

Lebanese authorities report that 95,773 people have been displaced and are seeking refuge in 441 shelters across the country. However, most Syrian families have been left without accommodation or assistance.

Many refugees say they do not know where to seek help, while the country’s emergency hotline has become overwhelmed with requests.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has opened two shelters that accept anyone in need, including Syrians, Lebanese and Palestinians.

Meanwhile, according to Syrian authorities and the United Nations, about 38,000 Syrian refugees have chosen to return to Syria, despite the fact that many of their homes there have been destroyed.

By Tamilla Hasanova