Sabra and Shatila Massacre Unfolds in Lebanon
September 16th, 1982
September 16th, 1982
How Long Ago?
42 years, 5 months, 27 days ago
Location
Beirut, Lebanon
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Lebanese Civil War
People
- Ariel Sharon
- Bashir Gemayel
- Elie Hobeika
Links & References
Tags
Sabra and Shatila Massacre Unfolds in Lebanon
The Sabra and Shatila massacre took place in Beirut, Lebanon, when armed Lebanese Christian militias, allied with Israel, entered the Palestinian refugee camps. Over the course of three days, thousands of Palestinian civilians were killed as part of a violent reprisal following the assassination of Lebanese President Bashir Gemayel. The event raised significant international condemnation and showcased the dire consequences of the ongoing Lebanese Civil War.
Massacre lasted from September 16 to 18, 1982.
Around 800 to 3,500 Palestinians were killed.
Israeli forces facilitated the militia's entry.
Event raised international condemnation and protests.
What Happened?
In September, the Lebanese Civil War was in full swing, marked by complex sectarian tensions and political rivalries. After the assassination of Lebanese President Bashir Gemayel, a leader from the Phalangist party, Israeli forces, who had been conducting a military intervention in Lebanon, facilitated the entry of Christian militia into the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in West Beirut. The camps housed a large population of Palestinian refugees. The situation escalated into a brutal massacre that lasted from September 16 to September 18, 1982. Estimates suggest that between 800 and 3,500 Palestinians were killed, making it one of the most harrowing episodes during the Lebanese Civil War.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who surrounded the camps and were aware of the unfolding violence, faced intense scrutiny for their inaction. The event prompted global outcry, with mass protests occurring in many countries. The massacre's impact was profound, shaping international perceptions of Israel's role in Lebanon and igniting debates about the moral responsibilities of intervening nations. The aftermath saw further divisions among various Lebanese factions and deepened the Palestinian plight, creating significant ramifications for the Arab-Israeli conflict in the years that followed.
Why Does it Matter?
The Sabra and Shatila massacre is significant as it exposed the extremes of violence that characterized the Lebanese Civil War and highlighted the plight of the Palestinian people. It led to a reevaluation of international interventions in regional conflicts. The event remains a poignant reminder of the consequences of sectarian violence, influencing discussions about human rights and humanitarian law globally.
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