How the War in Gaza Has Impacted Refugees in Lebanon
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon are living through overlapping crises—economic hardship, social exclusion, and ongoing insecurity. Amid these challenges, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA is proud to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian Women’s Humanitarian Organization (PWHO), an organisation led by and for Palestinian refugee women. Together, we’re supporting women’s empowerment and helping children access the education they deserve.
Since the devastating escalation of violence in Gaza in October 2023, the ripple effects have been felt deeply by Palestinian communities across the region, including in Lebanon. For the staff and community at PWHO—Palestinian refugees themselves—witnessing the destruction and loss in Gaza has been deeply traumatic.
But the crisis has also reached Lebanon directly. Between 1 October and 27 November 2024, Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut, placing PWHO and its community at the heart of the conflict. The organisation runs programs in three refugee camps in Beirut, including Burj al-Burajneh—an area that faced repeated evacuation orders.
During the height of the bombings, most of the camp’s 58,000 residents were forced to flee. Families sought refuge with relatives or friends in already overcrowded areas, including the other two camps where the project operates. Fortunately, none of the camps were directly hit, and residents have since been able to return.
While a ceasefire has largely held since 27 November 2024, breaches—including multiple airstrikes on Beirut—have left communities living in fear. The psychological toll continues to weigh heavily on families and frontline workers.
Standing Strong: Supporting communities during the crisis
In the midst of bombings, evacuations, and widespread fear, PWHO moved quickly to support both its staff and the wider refugee community.
They kept communication channels open, ensured staff had safe places to stay, and provided emergency basics such as mattresses, hygiene kits, food, mobile devices, and data so their team could continue working online. With funding from our Emergency Appeal, PWHO also distributed vital food and supplies to displaced families.
Education, a cornerstone of the program, didn’t stop. Some learning activities moved online, while others were relocated to safer venues. PWHO also increased psychosocial support, offering sessions led by trained psychologists to help children and families process trauma and manage immediate stressors.
Within a week of the ceasefire, PWHO had resumed in-person activities and shifted focus to rebuilding community resilience—especially through mental health support.
Resilience and impact: What we achieved together
Despite war, displacement and ongoing instability, the APHEDA-PWHO project has achieved remarkable outcomes over the past year:
- 100 children accessed regular early childhood education.
- 70 women were able to engage in paid work thanks to reliable childcare, and 5 women pursued further education.
- 60 school-aged children at risk of dropping out received additional support through retention classes.
- 20 children with disability accessed tailored educational activities.
- 105 children received psychosocial support, including one-on-one case management and referrals to specialised services.
- Parents attended community education sessions covering positive parenting, mental health, family communication, and environmental awareness.
Solidarity in action
The work of PWHO is a powerful example of grassroots leadership and resilience in the face of war and displacement. Thanks to the solidarity and support of our members and donors, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA is helping ensure that women and children in refugee camps in Lebanon are not forgotten.
In a time of escalating global conflict, your solidarity matters more than ever. If you haven’t yet, join Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA at www.apheda.org.au/join
Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA is currently supporting PWHO’s Early Education & Women’s Empowerment Project, which also receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Australian Education Union.
