Lebanon could be seeing ‘largest displacement’ ever
Israel’s attacks on Lebanon may have forced a million people to flee their homes in what would represent potentially the worst displacement crisis in the country’s history, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on September 29th according to the Arab News via AFP.
The PM told reporters that “the estimated number is very high and may reach one million” — which would amount to roughly a sixth of Lebanon’s population.
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“It is the largest displacement movement that may have happened… in Lebanon.”
This comes two days after Israel killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, a move that has sparked fears of destabilisation in both Lebanon and the region. Since September 23rd, Israeli attacks on the east and south of the country and Beirut have killed hundreds and forced many to flee.
UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi claimed earlier in the week that “well over 200,000 people are displaced inside Lebanon” and more than 50,000 had fled to neighbouring Syria.
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This wave of Israeli bombardment follows the shift of Israel’s focus from Gaza, where it is still at war, to Lebanon, after nearly a year of cross-border fire with Hezbollah who say they are acting in solidarity with Hamas.
AFP
