Displaced in a Land of Denial: Who is an IDP in Lebanon’s Reluctant War?

This study examines the Lebanese government’s strategic indifference towards internally displaced persons (IDPs) from South Lebanon, especially after the October 2023 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Using in-depth interviews and participant observations, the research highlights how displaced individuals navigate their precarious situations without formal recognition and support. By not acknowledging IDP status, the government evades legal and moral responsibilities, forcing reliance on informal networks and humanitarian aid. This perpetuates IDPs’ invisibility and marginalisation, hindering their ability to meet basic needs and rebuild lives. The study underscores the power dynamics and state-to-citizen relations shaping IDPs’ treatment in Lebanon.