Published on March 24, 2026
In the midst of escalating violence in the Middle East, Lebanon has become a refuge for those fleeing conflict, with over one million people displaced since the onset of the war. Despite the ongoing bombardment , residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut are choosing to stay, holding onto their homes and communities in an environment fraught with danger.
In neighborhoods like Bir Hassan and Hay al-Sellom, the sounds of airstrikes have become an unsettling but familiar backdrop to everyday life. Local residents, including many refugees, are adapting to the precariousness of their situation. While the fear of strikes looms large, the decision to stay is driven by a multitude of factors, including a lack of resources to flee and the hope of returning to their original homes if peace is restored.
For many, leaving the only home they’ve known is not an option. “Where would we go?” asks Fatima, a mother of three who has sought safety in Beirut after fleeing violence in her hometown. “We have nothing. This is our life now.” Her story is echoed in similar situations, who express a sense of resilience fueled of community and a shared experience of hardship.
The conditions in these neighborhoods are stark. Many buildings bear the scars of past conflicts, and daily life is marked fear. Families often huddle together during airstrikes, praying for safety while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy for their children. Schools have been disrupted, and access to basic services has become increasingly difficult.
Organizations providing humanitarian aid report that the need for assistance is growing. With basic necessities like food, water, and medical aid becoming scarce, many refugees are relying on the kindness of their neighbors and local community groups. However, the continuous strikes complicate efforts to deliver aid, as safety concerns hinder distribution.
Despite the dire circumstances, spirits remain unbroken for some. Community leaders are organizing support networks to help families cope and rebuild, fostering an environment of solidarity amid despair. “We are all in this together,” says one local volunteer. “We cannot abandon each other now.”
As the conflict rages on, the determination of those in Beirut’s southern suburbs underscores a complex reality—one where survival instincts clash with the longing for peace. For many refugees, the journey forward is uncertain, but for now, their roots lie deep within the streets they call home, where resilience continues to shine amidst adversity.