The "Blue Camp" Under Scrutiny: Government Measures in Beirut to Regulate the Waterfront and Remove Encroachments

The Central Operations Room at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers announced in a statement that it had carried out field measures aimed at preventing the formation of random تجمعات on Beirut’s seafront, including the removal of permanent structures previously erected from wood, eternit, and concrete, as part of efforts to regulate use and prevent any further expansion at the site.

The operations room explained that the alternative site, which belongs to the Beirut Municipality, does not exceed 15 percent of the area previously occupied by the tents, stressing that this step is not intended to establish a camp or an official shelter center, nor to entrench any new reality, but rather comes within the context of protecting public order and security in the capital and removing encroachments on private property.

The statement added that the move to the new site would allow for stronger security and organizational measures along the waterfront, through the preparation of nominal lists of those present and the prevention of any additional tents, ensuring full control over movement on the ground.

Regarding basic services, the operations room stressed that anyone wishing to benefit from electricity, water, public facilities, and meal services must head to the approved shelter centers, where these services are provided exclusively, foremost among them the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium.

It also confirmed that no infrastructure or additional equipment would be allowed at the newly designated site, in order to prevent the temporary presence from becoming a permanent fait accompli, renewing the call to move to official shelter centers until suitable conditions are available for a safe and dignified return to the original areas.