Mar 20 โ€ข 17:08 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatar Al Jazeera

Eid on the sidewalk.. Displaced people in Beirut between waiting to return and the difficulties of daily life

As Eid al-Fitr approaches in Lebanon, displaced individuals living in difficult conditions face a stark contrast to traditional celebrations.

With the arrival of Eid al-Fitr in Lebanon, the festive atmosphere is dimmed by the harsh realities faced by thousands of displaced people from the southern suburbs, who are forced to live on sidewalks and in temporary shelters due to the ongoing war. They struggle with dire conditions that have obliterated the usual manifestations of the holiday, such as family visits and celebrations, leaving them isolated and longing for a semblance of normalcy. As reported by Al Jazeera's correspondent in Beirut, Mohamad Al-Baqali, the Eid experience in these circumstances becomes akin to just another day on the street, leaving displaced individuals caught in a cycle of anxiety, fear, and a fragile hope of returning home.

The story highlights voices from the displaced community, including one woman who poignantly expressed that the true essence of Eid comes from returning to their homes with safety and security. Without the fundamental aspects of stability, the holiday becomes a stark reminder of their suffering and loss rather than a time of joy. The plight of displaced individuals is compounded by the escalating conflict, which has seen the number of displaced persons in Lebanon rise to over one million since the beginning of intensified Israeli aggression in March, reflecting the dire humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in the region.

As the war expands, initially starting as an attack on Tehran backed by Washington and Tel Aviv, the increasing numbers of displaced individuals serve as a testament to the broader implications of the conflict, raising urgent questions about humanitarian responses and the need for international assistance. This story sheds light not only on the struggles of those directly affected by the war but also underlines the significant impact of geopolitical conflicts on everyday lives, stripping them of celebration and happiness during what should be one of the most joyous times of the year.

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