Stranded Amid Strikes: Refugees Seek Shelter in Beirut's Churches

Amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Beirut, 300,000 people, including Sudanese refugee Ridina Muhammad, are displaced across Lebanon. With government shelters full, many find refuge in spaces like the St. Joseph Tabaris Parish. The UNHCR and Jesuit Refugee Service face challenges in catering to the growing needs.

Amid escalating Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Sudanese refugee Ridina Muhammad and her family have found themselves once again forced to flee, eventually taking refuge in a local church. Eight months pregnant, Muhammad walked for hours with her family through darkened streets before finding shelter at St. Joseph Tabaris Parish.

Her story is not unique in Lebanon, where over 300,000 individuals have been displaced this week alone due to ongoing conflict. Government shelters, reportedly at capacity, cannot accommodate all, leaving many to turn to relatives or the streets. Muhammad's hope for assistance from the UNHCR remains unmet amidst scarce funding.

Organizations like the Jesuit Refugee Service continue their efforts, but resources are limited. Michael Petro, directing emergency shelter efforts, acknowledges the strain on available facilities as the demand far exceeds 2024's crisis level. Meanwhile, official policies leave migrants uncertain about where to find sanctuary in this war-torn region.

(With inputs from agencies.)