Mar 16 • 16:53 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

‘Sleeping in our car is the only option’: Displaced Lebanese face skyrocketing rents

Due to the escalation of conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, many displaced Lebanese are resorting to sleeping in their cars due to skyrocketing rents and limited shelter options.

The ongoing conflict triggered by Hezbollah's military actions against Israel has led to a significant displacement crisis in Lebanon. As hostilities intensified on March 2, following Israeli-American strikes against Iran, civilians have found themselves fleeing from conflict-affected areas. Shelters have become overwhelmed, and with the surge in demand, rental prices have soared, leaving many families with no option but to sleep in their cars or on the streets.

With a humanitarian crisis unfolding, the living situations for those displaced are dire. The Israeli military's orders for residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate north exacerbate the problem, as hundreds of thousands seek refuge in cities that are themselves feeling the pressure of increased population and demand for housing. Areas such as Sidon, Mount Lebanon, and Beirut are struggling to accommodate the sudden influx of displaced individuals, and as such, many are left vulnerable with limited access to basic necessities.

This situation not only highlights the immediate humanitarian needs but also reflects the broader implications of the conflict's escalation on Lebanon's socio-economic landscape. Increased rental costs and the inability to secure safe shelter will likely lead to long-term challenges for the Lebanese people, necessitating urgent international attention and assistance as they navigate this turbulent period.

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