Arabic version: الغارات الإسرائيلية تشرد آلاف اللاجئين الفلسطينيين في لبنان

Israeli airstrikes have intensified in Lebanon, displacing thousands of Palestinian refugees, many of whom are experiencing generational trauma from past displacements. The recent escalation began on March 2, 2026, following an attack by Hezbollah, which claimed to be responding to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei just two days earlier in an Israeli strike.

According to Al Jazeera, the conflict has led to mass evacuation orders affecting over 14 percent of Lebanon, particularly in southern regions and the suburbs of Beirut. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that those displaced might not return until northern Israel is deemed safe.

The violence has forced many refugees, who have already faced displacement since the 1948 Nakba, to flee once again. Displaced families are currently seeking shelter with relatives, in hotels, or in rented accommodations. However, reports indicate that many aid centers are prioritizing Lebanese nationals, leaving Palestinian refugees to find alternative housing solutions.

The trauma of displacement resonates deeply among the Palestinian community in Lebanon. Individuals like Manal Matar, who fled her home in Tyre, express fear and uncertainty about their future. Many refugees are grappling with the harsh realities of life in conflict zones, leading some to consider leaving southern Lebanon altogether.

As the situation continues to evolve, the longstanding impact of conflict on Palestinian refugees remains evident, with many expressing a desire to return to their homes while facing the harsh realities of ongoing violence and instability.