Escalating Conflict Displaces Millions in Lebanon

With over 355,000 Syrians returning home due to Israel's intensified conflict with Hezbollah, Human Rights Watch warns of the dangers they face, including arbitrary detention and abuse by Syrian authorities. In Lebanon, the escalation has displaced more than 1.2 million people, with many seeking refuge in Beirut, exacerbating sectarian tensions and resulting in discrimination against those from Hezbollah strongholds like Dahieh. In Beirut's Achrafieh neighborhood, residents organize neighborhood watches amid fears of crime and sectarian strife due to the influx of displaced individuals. The Lebanese government acknowledges the dire situation as shelters overflow, and refugees face eviction and hostility, with some even resorting to living in abandoned buildings despite harsh conditions. The ongoing crisis highlights Lebanon's fragile state, with memories of past civil conflict still influencing current sectarian divides.