Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, civilians in south Lebanon are living through catastrophic levels of bombardment. More than 700 people have been killed in Israel’s relentless bombing, with fears of a full-scale war looming. Despite Western efforts to prevent further escalation, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu refuses to agree to a ceasefire, vowing to continue striking Hezbollah with all its strength.
As the conflict intensifies, more than 90,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in displacement shelters and rental apartments in Beirut. However, landlords are reportedly taking advantage of the situation by raising prices, causing social tensions among displaced communities.
The displacement crisis has also led to tensions between different ethnic groups in Lebanon, with some communities hesitant to welcome those fleeing from areas controlled by Hezbollah. Meanwhile, civilians in south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley feel they are already living through an all-out war, with reports of Israeli forces killing civilians in their attempts to target Hezbollah fighters.
Amidst the chaos, Ali, a 25-year-old resident, expresses fears for his family in Baalbek but understands their decision to stay and defend their land. While he supports a negotiated ceasefire, he warns that the conflict could still escalate further if talks fail. The situation remains volatile as civilians brace for the worst while international calls for peace continue to be disregarded.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
