Beirut Waterfront Camp: Displaced Remain Amidst Security Concerns and Unanswered Questions

The situation on Beirut's waterfront, where approximately 500 displaced Lebanese continue to reside, has become a complex issue intertwining humanitarian concerns with political and security dimensions. While the displaced individuals express fears of targeting in larger gatherings and a strong desire to remain in Beirut, officials and lawmakers point to potential security implications, with some alleging Hezbollah's involvement in their continued presence.

The prime minister's office has stated that no permanent infrastructure will be permitted at the site, emphasizing that the relocation to a municipality-owned plot is a temporary measure aimed at preventing random gatherings and encroachments on private property. The move, however, involved shifting tents only a few meters, leading to surprise and questions about why a more comprehensive solution, such as distributing the displaced to suitable shelters, was not pursued.

“

No infrastructure will be allowed to be built at the newly designated site, nor any additional facilities that could turn this temporary presence into a permanent reality.

Sources from the Interior Ministry clarified that the displaced had refused an offer to move to Sports City. The governor of Beirut was tasked with finding a temporary solution, resulting in the confinement of tents to municipal land. This measure, while organizing the immediate area, still lacks essential services like bathrooms, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing the needs of the displaced population while managing public order and security in the capital.

“

Because the tents had spread randomly, and under the directives of the prime minister, Beirut Governor Judge Marwan Abboud was tasked with finding a temporary solution to organize the situation. It was decided to confine the tents to land belonging to the Beirut municipality as a temporary measure.