Aid groups warn of humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as nearly 1 million displaced by war

Aid groups are warning of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as nearly 1 million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict. Fatima Nazha and her family fled their home in Beirut’s southern suburbs after an Israeli mass evacuation order. With all government shelters full and unable to afford alternative accommodations, they moved into a tent at the country’s largest stadium, while their children and grandchildren found shelter near Sidon. In just 10 days, more than 800,000 people have been displaced, according to reports. The situation has escalated as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation warnings and conducted heavy strikes on southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The IDF estimates that over 300,000 Lebanese civilians have evacuated their villages in southern Lebanon due to the conflict. However, Georges Kettaneh, Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross, suggests that the actual number of displaced civilians could be significantly higher than reported. Traffic chaos has ensued in Beirut as the Israeli evacuation orders have led to heavy congestion on the roads. The conflict has also seen fighting between Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, and Israel, further complicating the humanitarian situation. The ongoing violence and displacement have raised concerns about the potential for a larger humanitarian crisis in the region.