In Beirut, displaced families gather – with nowhere to go

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati says about 1.2 million people have already been displaced by the conflict, as this crisis seems to be escalating.

People have been fleeing the hardest-hit areas, where Hezbollah has a strong presence: the south, the eastern Bekaa Valley and Dahieh, in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The city’s Martyr’s Square has become a place where dozens of families have gathered, with nowhere to go.

Some tents have been set up near concrete walls, but many are sleeping on the steps of the nearby Mohammad Al Amin Mosque or on mattresses on the ground.

Mohamed, who is 55, arrived five days ago with his wife, his son and seven grandchildren, aged between 13 and two. They were trying to move to a shelter, he said, but had not been able to find a place.

“We’ve got nowhere to go,” he said. Thanks to donations, they have been able to eat; but are struggling without diapers, milk, and medicine.

Next to him, 26-year-old Mohamed had arrived with his three children, aged seven, five and four. He said he worked in Dahieh but, because all shops are closed, he lost his job.

“There’s no work,” he said, “all jobs are gone”.