Located in southern Lebanon, the Rashidieh camp is home to Palestinian refugees who express solidarity with the people of Gaza. The camp, situated just 17 kilometers from the southern border of Lebanon, was documented by Al Jazeera Net amid ongoing Israeli aggression towards Gaza and continued border escalations in southern Lebanon.
Within Rashidieh, images of martyrs and leaders adorn the camp, symbolizing Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation. The camp, established in two phases – first in 1936 to accommodate Armenian refugees fleeing to Lebanon and later in 1963 by UNRWA to house Palestinian refugees displaced from the Gouraud camp in Baalbek, Lebanon – remains on edge following Israeli airstrikes in April 2023 and amidst the recent events of the Al-Aqsa Intifada.
Residents of the camp heavily rely on UNRWA assistance and fear potential cutbacks. Feelings of apprehension and unity prevail among its inhabitants, with a palpable sense of shared struggle with Palestinians in Gaza. The camp’s proximity to the conflict in Gaza elicits constant concern, mirroring the fears of residents in the southern Lebanese villages.
Voices within the camp emphasize their unwavering support for the resilience of Palestinians in Gaza, echoing sentiments of unity in the face of adversity. The daily life of Rashidieh residents oscillates between sorrow and hope, as they bear witness to the plight of their brethren in Gaza while remaining resolute in the ongoing struggle against Israeli occupation, both within and outside Palestine.
As the camp navigates the dual realities of pain and perseverance, the residents find themselves in a perpetual state of trepidation, underscoring the interconnectedness of their experiences with those of Palestinians in Gaza. Amidst the turbulence, the spirit of Palestinian resistance endures, transcending geographical boundaries and uniting communities in the face of shared challenges.
