nrc.nl
Tripoli and the Lebanese Refugee Crisis
Thousands displaced by the conflict in Lebanon have found refuge in Tripoli, where schools are acting as shelters and organizations are working to aid the refugees, but sectarian tensions persist.
Dutch
Netherlands
Middle EastEuropean UnionWarConflictRefugeesHumanitarian AidLebanonRefugees And Migration
Alawite Islamic CouncilHezbollahRuwwadUnLebanese Ministry Of Health
Joumana HermechlyFatmi HermechlyAhmad HermechlyOuazeera HaloushBasher Youssef Halabi
- How has the history of conflict in Tripoli affected the current refugee response?
- Despite Tripoli's geographic distance from the conflict's core, its history includes sectarian tensions between Jabal Mohsen (Alawite) and Tabbaneh (Sunni) neighborhoods. However, in the context of the current refugee crisis, there is a noticeable effort to put aside past conflicts to prioritize humanitarian needs.
- What prompted the Hermechly family to flee their home and seek refuge in Tripoli?
- The Hermechly family, along with approximately 250 other refugees, sought refuge in a Tripoli school after fleeing the Israeli offensive in Southern Lebanon. They had been enduring constant bombardment and drone attacks, and the escalation prompted their desperate flight.
- What role have public schools played in addressing the displacement crisis in Lebanon?
- Public schools in Tripoli, Beirut, and other Lebanese cities have been repurposed as shelters for the thousands of displaced people from southern and northeastern Lebanon. The Alawite Islamic Council in Tripoli took the lead in organizing relief efforts due to the government's inaction.
- Describe the role of organizations like Ruwwad in assisting the displaced population in Tripoli.
- The Ruwwad organization, operating near the previously conflict-ridden border of Jabal Mohsen and Tabbaneh, is providing thousands of meals daily to refugees, highlighting the community's ability to provide aid, even while grappling with past tensions. Despite this, refugees continue to express a lack of sufficient support for basic needs and long-term solutions.
- What are the prevailing sentiments and concerns among Tripoli's residents regarding the influx of refugees?
- While many in Tripoli welcome the refugees, there's concern about possible resurgence of sectarian conflict due to the war. Some residents are asking individuals suspected of being associated with Hezbollah to leave, or refuse to rent to them, reflecting a mix of compassion and apprehension.