Israeli bombings in Lebanon have displaced at least 500,000 people, according to the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs. Those who flee villages near the southern border find refuge in large cities, such as Beirut, but also Saida. It is about forty kilometers from the Lebanese capital. Schools have been closed and some are welcoming new waves of displaced people, often arriving without luggage or food and who depend on help from associations.
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With our special correspondents in Beirut, Aabla Jounaïdi And Jad El Kouri
On a mattress on the ground, a teenager sleeps in a courtyard. An apparent calm. The child is disabled and fled with his mother from the Israeli bombings on his village before ending up in this high school, converted into a place to accommodate displaced people.
“ He not only has difficulty walking, he has many other problems, disorders… He would be better off in his house, but we were forced to flee the strikes while my son is sick », Explains the teenager’s mother.
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An appeal to the State to help displaced Lebanese
A few volunteers burst in with shopping bags in hand. Support for the displaced came from everyone Lebanonexplains Sheikh Ehsen Qassem of the neighboring mosque.
“ We received mattresses, food, medicine, milk for children. Organizations are helping, which is the least they can do to help these displaced people. But these associations cannot cover all needs. Some have high blood pressure, diabetes, and need care. We are appealing to the State, to the Ministry of Health. It is first up to them to help these people, they are Lebanese who had to flee their land. »
Especially since their number will certainly increase, whispers a volunteer. The day before alone, fifty people arrived in the makeshift shelter.
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