Displacement of 23,000 Lebanese from Syrian Villages and Tribal Hope
More than seven months have passed since over 23,000 Lebanese residents from thirty villages located inside Syrian territory were displaced, including from villages such as Zeita, Mutribah, Hawik, Al-Samaqiyat, Al-Masriyah, Al-Jantaliyah, and many others. These displaced people have been living in dire conditions since the fall of the Syrian president’s regime on December 7, 2024, having fled to various Lebanese regions, especially Hermel, and other areas like Baalbek, Chtoura, Rayak, Zahle, and southern Lebanon.
An activist from the affected villages stated that the number of displaced ranges between 20,000 to 23,000 people, now scattered across Al-Qasr, Beirut, and other Lebanese regions, facing extremely harsh living conditions. He said all forms of aid—medical, food, and financial—have completely stopped, making daily life extremely difficult.
Local testimonies describe the situation as catastrophic, with many unable to pay rent for the homes theyve leased, and basic necessities virtually unavailable. These displaced individuals are struggling with the absence of the most fundamental elements of life, with no clear path for support or solutions on the horizon.
In contrast, a relief worker revealed that the primary support for this crisis has come from the Iranian state, which recently provided substantial financial aid, reaching up to $1,200 per family, in an attempt to alleviate the suffering, despite limited Lebanese governmental resources.
Amid this hardship, Lebanese and Syrian tribal leaders appear to be moving toward a new initiative. Sheikh Saad Hammadeh of the Hamadi-Khalidi tribes in Hermel, a key figure following the displacement file, revealed that an individual initiative by Lebanese and Syrian tribes, in cooperation with elders from both sides, is underway. The goal is to establish contact with Syrian authorities in Damascus to arrange a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa.
This tribal initiative reflects a sense of responsibility and a desire to find real solutions for what is considered one of the most pressing humanitarian crises for Lebanese citizens who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The effort aims to open negotiation channels with the Syrian government to ensure a safe and dignified return for the displaced, or at least to secure their rights under such harsh conditions.
The main question remains whether Lebanese and Syrian authorities will respond to this initiative, amid a notable official silence and a clear failure to deliver swift and practical solutions—while thousands of families continue to suffer under worsening economic and social conditions.
