By Muhammad al-Qadi
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian refugees residing in the Burj Hamoud neighborhood of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, said that they are hiding in their homes following threats of deportation and a deadline to vacate the area.
The recent kidnapping and murder of a political official from the Lebanese Forces party, Pascal Suleiman, in the Jbeil area has once again highlighted the crisis of Syrian refugees and their increasing presence in Lebanon.
On March 7, Suleiman was abducted and killed by members of a robbery gang.
The Lebanese Forces party alleged that most of the gang members were Syrians and claimed that Suleiman’s body was taken to Syria.
Ibrahim Hussein, a Syrian refugee living in the Burj Hammoud area and renting a shop and home there, told North Press that all their shops are closed because they were given a deadline until Friday to evacuate.
He explained that they are now confined to their homes and unable to move or even step outside. Their situation is extremely challenging.
Hussein expressed that the problem lies in the fact that if any issues arise in the area, they have nowhere to seek shelter or turn to. Moreover, they are unable to travel.
These events have resulted in indiscriminate attacks against Syrians in various parts of Lebanon. Areas such as Burj Hamoud, Sad al-Bouchrieh, Jdeideh, Bsharri, Jbeil, Jounieh, Dhour El Choueir, Dhour El Makhael, Tabarja, and others have witnessed a series of recent attacks targeting both workers and individuals, including Syrian women.
Footages capturing the assaults went viral on social media, including videos showing civilian groups moving through the areas and issuing threats and ultimatums to Syrians, as witnessed in the Burj Hamoud area.
Maya Muhammad, pseudonym for Syrian refugee residing in the Burj Hamoud area, told North Press that in the aftermath of the recent incidents, Syrian residents in the area have experienced a multitude of threats and harassment.
She further explained Anti-Syrian sentiment has soared following the death of Suleiman, as threatening videos and posts have been disseminated, calling for the evacuation and expulsion from the area.
She pointed out that this situation is incredibly challenging, and they are unable to leave.
Muhammad stressed, “If we had the option to leave, we would have done so because no one in this world would accept such racism. However, returning to Syria is not feasible for us as my husband is wanted by the security forces.”
She noted that the United Nations Refugee Agency in the region seems completely oblivious to the situation, showing no knowledge or concern for our plight whatsoever.