Beirut, Lebanon has been rocked by devastating bombings from Israel, prompting thousands of civilians to flee their homes and seek refuge in displacement shelters. Umm Hassan, a resident of south Lebanon, recounts the fear of living under constant bombardment and the belief that Hezbollah ordered civilians to evacuate to protect them from Israel’s attacks.
As international calls for a ceasefire grow, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to back down, vowing to continue striking Hezbollah with full force. Meanwhile, tensions rise as the US and France fear Israel’s aggressive actions could provoke a full-scale war.
Amid the chaos, reports of profiteering by landlords and social tensions between different communities emerge. Displacement shelters are overflowing with more than 90,000 people seeking refuge, while some communities hesitate to welcome displaced individuals who may have ties to Hezbollah.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, voices like Ali’s in the Bekaa Valley call for a negotiated ceasefire if it benefits both Hezbollah and civilians. However, the fear of further escalation looms large, as many believe Israel will intensify its attacks if ceasefire talks fail.
The situation in Lebanon remains precarious, with civilians bracing for the worst while international efforts to stop the violence stall. The need for a lasting peace agreement becomes increasingly urgent as the threat of all-out war continues to loom over the region.
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