The Palestinian refugee presence in Lebanon is a direct result of the Nakba in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homeland. Over 75 years later, Lebanon continues to host a significant Palestinian population, living mostly in refugee camps under difficult conditions.

This forum examines the historical causes of the Palestinian displacement, the legal and social barriers they face in Lebanon, and the strain this has placed on Lebanon’s already fragile socio-economic landscape.

While the Lebanese people have historically stood in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the country’s economic struggles, high unemployment rates, and political instability have led to growing tensions. The forum explores the challenges this situation poses for both Lebanese citizens and Palestinian refugees, shedding light on the difficult balance Lebanon must maintain between upholding Palestinian rights and addressing its own national crises. Despite these struggles, the bond between the two peoples remains rooted in a shared history of resilience and resistance.

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Maamoun Slayhi is an IT professional specializing in system administration, cloud technologies, and information security. He is also an active member of the Minnesota Palestinian Coalition and other grassroots political groups, passionately advocating for justice in the Middle East, with a focus on Lebanon and Palestine.