BEIRUT, (PIC)
Death and destruction follow Palestinians wherever they go. From Gaza to Lebanon, Israel kills both Palestinians and Lebanese, destroying their homes and instilling fear and oppression in their midst. However, resilience is a common trait among the two peoples with a shared fate and a common goal: the freedom of Palestine and the liberation of Al-Aqsa.
As Israel continues to bombard the southern suburb of Beirut, the nearby Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp is also subjected to destruction and shelling, prompting a large portion of its residents to flee to areas they believe are safer. Meanwhile, Israel indiscriminately bombs all areas without mercy.
Displacement of 80% of Burj al-Barajneh residents
Issa al-Ghadban, a representative of the popular committee at Burj al-Barajneh camp, said that over 80% of the camp’s residents have been forced to evacuate to northern Lebanon, with some moving to mountainous areas to escape the intensifying bombardment on the southern suburb of Beirut adjacent to the camp.
In press statements, al-Ghadban mentioned that the camp’s geography makes the sound of Israeli airstrikes particularly intense, and on many occasions, shrapnel and debris reach the camp, resulting in damage to some homes.
He noted that those who remain in the camp leave at certain hours and return when they feel a semblance of calm. He pointed out that movement within the camp has become nearly nonexistent due to the large-scale displacement of residents, with most shops closed. Nevertheless, institutions within the camp continue to operate, providing basic services to the remaining residents and some displaced individuals still in need of support.
This comes at a time when the Israeli army continues to escalate its airstrikes on the southern suburb of Beirut, targeting residential blocks amid significant displacement of residents, as the aggression continues since Monday, September 23, unabated resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties and thousands of injuries.
Largest camp in Beirut
The camp was established in Lebanon in 1948, near the village of Burj al-Barajneh in the southern suburb of Beirut, located two kilometers from Beirut International Airport. It covers an area of one square kilometer and is one of the largest camps in the Beirut area in terms of size and population density, and it suffers the most among Beirut’s camps, with a population of around 25,000.
Seeking safety
Palestinian refugee Abu Muhammad al-Masali (45,) from Burj al-Barajneh told our correspondent that he was forced to flee the camp due to the severe bombardment targeting the nearby southern suburb of Beirut. He added that he escaped with his children to northern Lebanon in search of safety, emphasizing that Palestinians and Lebanese are equally affected by the war waged by Israel on Lebanon.
He affirmed that the Lebanese resistance will teach the occupation a lesson it will not forget, just as the Palestinian resistance has done in the Gaza Strip, indicating that everyone must exercise patience and responsibility.
Masali noted that resilience and determination are characteristics of Palestinians, and this is not the first trial; the history of Palestine and Lebanon is filled with challenges and battles against the Zionist entity. He explained that his house on the outskirts of Burj al-Barajneh has sustained significant damage due to the ongoing bombardment, as is the case for many homes of camp residents, which are often weak and dilapidated.
