Lebanon's Crisis: Shelters Overflow as Conflict Deepens

The U.N. reports that Lebanon’s shelters are overcapacity, with many displaced people forced to find refuge in public spaces amidst ongoing Israeli strikes. The conflict has displaced 1.2 million people, disrupted education, and heightened vulnerability for migrant workers fearing deportation.

The United Nations has raised alarms over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, where nearly 900 shelters have reportedly reached full capacity. Many residents fleeing Israeli military strikes find themselves sleeping in public parks or streets, as the situation grows increasingly dire.

With over 1.2 million Lebanese displaced and nearly 2,000 fatalities linked to the conflict with Hezbollah, the search for refuge has become desperate. Some hotels and Beirut nightclubs have opened their doors to the displaced, but the strain on resources is palpable as educational institutions being used as shelters disrupt schooling.

Migrant workers, predominantly women, face added peril. Without legal documentation, they are hesitant to seek aid for fear of arrest or deportation. Despite challenges, some individuals have taken drastic steps, traveling on foot to cross the Syria border as others face closure. Urgent support is needed as many families endure profound physical and emotional exhaustion amidst this humanitarian fallout.

(With inputs from agencies.)