As Palestinian refugees in the Sabra and Shatila camps were living in a fragile sense of security, their lives were suddenly shattered when Phalange forces, allied with Israel, swooped in to unleash a brutal massacre. The events unfolded in the wake of the international forces' departure, leaving the refugees vulnerable to the merciless Phalange militia. Over several days, the militia stormed into the camps, slaughtering thousands of innocent civilians, mostly women, children, and the elderly. The world was left aghast as news of the atrocity spread, sparking outrage and condemnation.