In Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps, residents are bracing themselves amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Watching the devastating Israeli assault on Gaza with deep concern, many Palestinians fear they could face a similar fate if Israel launches a full-scale war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The camps, home to around 250,000 Palestinians who fled from their homeland during the 1948 Nakba, are densely populated areas where any conflict would likely have severe humanitarian consequences.
Residents of the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut express a mix of defiance and apprehension. They emphasize their readiness to support Hezbollah and the broader resistance against Israel but also worry about the safety of their families. Amidst such sentiments, there is a strong sense of historical injustice and a desire among many Palestinians to return to their homeland, despite facing legal discrimination and economic hardships in Lebanon.
Ahed Mahar, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), voices concerns about Israel’s military tactics, alleging disregard for human rights and targeting of civilian areas under the pretext of rooting out resistance fighters. This sentiment is echoed by Hassan Abu Ali, who laments the limited options available to Palestinians, noting the stark choice between returning to Palestine or attempting to migrate to Europe, a costly and risky endeavor.
The prospect of a broader conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel looms large, with Hezbollah’s substantial military capabilities, including advanced weaponry reportedly supplied by Iran, seen as a deterrent against Israeli escalation. Despite this deterrent, there are fears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might opt for war to maintain political support, risking civilian lives across Lebanon, including in Palestinian refugee camps.
Reflecting on past conflicts, such as the 2006 war where Hezbollah’s actions prompted severe Israeli reprisals against Lebanese infrastructure, Palestinians in Lebanon worry that their camps, previously spared from direct attacks, may not be immune this time. They draw parallels to Gaza, where Israeli military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties, further exacerbating their apprehensions.
Fadi Abu Ahmad, a Hamas member in Shatila, draws attention to the resolve among Palestinians to resist, drawing parallels to Algeria’s struggle for independence. Despite this resolve, there is also poignant concern for vulnerable groups within the camps, such as children and the elderly, who could bear the brunt of any conflict.
The situation is fraught with geopolitical complexities, with regional alliances and historical grievances shaping perceptions and actions. Palestinians in Lebanon find themselves caught in the crossfire of broader regional dynamics, where alliances and rivalries dictate the course of conflicts.
Analysts and observers closely monitor the situation, noting the delicate balance of power and the potential for wider regional implications. Hezbollah’s involvement and its alliances within the “axis of resistance” add layers of complexity to an already volatile situation.
In conclusion, while Palestinians in Lebanon brace for potential conflict, their plight underscores broader issues of displacement, statelessness, and the enduring quest for justice and homeland. The international community watches closely, mindful of the humanitarian toll and the implications for regional stability.
