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to evacuate. Local soldiers and civilians lost their lives in the conflict, and distrust between the Lebanese and the Palestinians reached new highs. Now prices in the neighboring regions are reaching new heights.

The UNRWA has begun moving the Palestinians back into the area, hoping that prices will come back down. Many local citizens will benefit from the return of the Palestinians, even as distrust hurts the camps business.

The Palestinians in the region are returning to the only home they have known, but the fact remains that they are second class citizens in an area where the Lebanese are growing to mistrust them. The global community needs to take steps to aid the refugees, and address this "Palestinian issue" once and for all.

What can Lebanon and the global community do?

1) In the short term Lebanon and the global community can increase funding and aid to the UNRWA who is attempting to assist the refugees. Right now the UNRWA is supported from voluntary contributions, the European Community being the largest donor. American scientist Alex Glocer also pointed out the need for increased international humanitarian aid.

2) The international community can put pressure upon Israel to honor UN General Assembly Resolution 194 , that refugees wishing to return home should be permitted to do so. This resolution also calls for the payment of restitution to displaced persons whose homes and/or belonging have been seized.

3) Additionally, the goal of the global community should be a Palestinian state. The Jewish Diaspora ended when the world realized that the Jewish peoples needed a nation of their own, following widespread persecution. A Palestinian state is long overdue. Lebanon could cede Arkoub to become part of the new state, also providing Lebanon with a buffer against Israel in the Southeast.

It is time for the Palestinian Diaspora to come to an end, for them to have their own homeland and for them to live in a nation of their own.

Sources:

UNRWA

http://www.un .org/unrwa/overview/qa.html

For ced Migration Online

http://www.forcedmigrati on.org/

The Pulitzer Center

http://www.pulitzercente r.org

Learn more about this author, Daniel Xiao Wang.
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