Amid the intensifying cloud of war over Lebanon and the waves of displacement witnessed in cities receiving displaced families, especially the city of Sidon, the spirit of humanity has not been absent in responding to the conditions of displaced people everywhere. This difficult phase has turned into a real test of the values of solidarity and social cohesion.
With the increasing number of displaced people, which reached approximately 816,000 across various Lebanese regions according to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the urgent need to secure basic necessities of life has become evident, especially with around 126,000 people in 589 shelters, and about 112,525 displaced individuals distributed across 514 active centers, in addition to the registration of approximately 26,000 displaced families. Meanwhile, the number of open shelters ranged between 514 and 678 centers depending on developments. These figures have grown alongside the scale of challenges, prompting the local community to act quickly to provide food, clean water, clothing, blankets, and medical and health supplies, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, as efforts to extend assistance to all displaced individuals did not falter.
Large numbers of individuals and independent youth initiatives mobilized to provide for the needs of displaced people independently. At the same time, many international organizations and local associations contributed to supporting displaced populations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees oversees the registration of displaced individuals and the management of protection and relief programs, contributing approximately 45 percent of total humanitarian support in shelters. The World Food Programme provides food assistance and supply services to about 70 percent of families in these centers, while UNICEF works to ensure water and sanitation services and organizes educational activities for children in approximately 200 centers.
This phase has proven that war does not only carry images of destruction and tragedy
At the local level, the Higher Relief Committee works to coordinate the distribution of food supplies and blankets across various regions, while the Lebanese Red Cross has provided medical services and first aid through more than 60 mobile health units in displacement areas. Local organizations such as “Baytak Baytna” and “Giving Without Limits” have also contributed to supporting between 15 and 20 percent of shelter opportunities and logistical services. The city of Sidon and other cities that have hosted large numbers of displaced individuals, whether from southern regions or other areas exposed to repeated threats, have demonstrated a humanitarian stance centered on unconditional assistance, without regard to sectarian differences or political divisions.
Youth groups and independent initiatives continue to collect financial and in-kind donations through social media platforms and money transfer applications to bridge the growing gaps in needs. These forms of assistance include essential food items such as rice, sugar, oil, and canned goods, in addition to children’s supplies like diapers and infant formula, as well as hygiene products, disinfectants, and personal care items, along with mattresses, blankets, and heating supplies.
Independent news platforms also play a prominent role during this phase, as they no longer focus solely on reporting facts and events, but also on publishing humanitarian appeals that connect donors and coordinate relief efforts. They have become an important source for identifying the needs of shelters and schools that have been transformed into reception centers for displaced individuals, in cooperation with pharmacies, restaurants, and local institutions that have contributed part of their products in support of displaced communities.
“We are going through a very difficult period, and we stand behind our displaced brothers who need support. Their response to us, especially during the month of Ramadan which coincided with the early days of the war, has been very positive in terms of respect and organization,” says Amjad Doha, who was one of the young contributors to these independent humanitarian initiatives. He followed the needs of displaced individuals during the past Ramadan and worked alongside other volunteers.
This phase has proven that war does not only carry images of destruction and tragedy, but also highlights humanitarian moments that restore the pulse of the nation. A society that rises in the most difficult circumstances and offers help without expecting anything in return confirms that the spirit of solidarity remains present, firmly rooted like the cedar of the homeland.
