As the conflict in Lebanon has intensified, a large number of people, mostly from the Shiite community, have been forced out of their villages, towns, or neighborhoods. Some 2.1 million people have been displaced, according to the Lebanese government, while an estimated 200,000–300,000 have crossed the border into Syria. This has created a complex situation at the community level, characterized by cooperation until now, but with unknown consequences in the future.
After Hezbollah opened a military front against Israel on October 8, 2023, preparations began in some areas to take care of the potential displaced. This was true of the mountain region of the Shouf where I live, whose dominant political figure is Druze leader Walid Joumblatt. Political parties on the ground established emergency committees, which reassured Hezbollah about the willingness locally to accommodate the displaced, even though ties between Joumblatt and the party have not always been good. In response, Hezbollah confirmed it had stocked relief supplies. This led nongovernmental organizations and political parties to slow their preparations, trusting in Hezbollah's capacity to manage relief efforts.
As the Israelis increased their airstrikes in the south, the Beqaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs in late September and into October, the ensuing wave of displacement overwhelmed initial relief plans. Problems arose as designated shelters offered limited logistical support and essentials such as food, medicine, and bedding. This shortage forced people to search for shelter elsewhere, leading to skyrocketing rents. Despite Hezbollah’s promises that it would provide aid and assistance, the party’s subsequent absence from the relief effort caused confusion among local nongovernmental organizations and parties. In the Shouf, for instance, while these local organizations provided help, their capabilities were limited due to uneven support from the political parties. The Future Movement was entirely absent, while organizations associated with Joumblatt’s Progressive Socialist Party, as well as the Jamaa al-Islamiyya, were more active.