Crisis in Lebanon: Shelters Overflow as Displacement Grows

The majority of Lebanon's nearly 900 shelters are at capacity, forcing people to sleep outdoors amid ongoing Israeli military strikes. The U.N. is working with local authorities to identify more sites. Over 1.2 million Lebanese are displaced, with 2,000 people killed in the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict.

GENEVA, Oct 4 (Reuters) - The situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate as most of the 900 established shelters have filled to capacity, with many citizens sleeping on the streets or in public parks, U.N. officials reported.

The U.N. refugee agency's Rula Amin disclosed during a Geneva press conference that they are collaborating with local authorities to locate additional shelter sites, noting that some hotels have commenced admitting those in need. According to Mathieu Luciano, head of the International Organization For Migration's office in Lebanon, while some shelters in Beirut and Mount Lebanon still have availability, the outlook is grim for numerous vulnerable individuals, including mainly female domestic workers who have been largely abandoned by their employers.

Amid escalating tensions following ongoing conflict with Israel, over 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced and almost 2,000 fatalities recorded, primarily in the last two weeks. Israeli airstrikes have also closed Lebanon’s main border crossing into Syria, compelling some displaced individuals to journey on foot through hazardous routes, as observed by Amin.

(With inputs from agencies.)