The daily Israeli invasion and bombardments in Lebanon are causing a new humanitarian crisis, with nearly a million Lebanese displaced in the country. As Israeli tanks gather at the southern border, raising fears of a large-scale invasion, the UN has called for over 300 million dollars to support the population.
Near the ghostly neighborhoods of southern Beirut, hundreds of makeshift tents shelter terrified families who had only minutes to flee under Israeli army bombardment threats. Many of these new homeless people sleep wherever they can, often curled up in their cars or on a mattress. Despite the critical situation, many reject the idea of negotiated peace.
“This is all Israel’s responsibility,” says one displaced person. “Netanyahu is the real war criminal, with no limits to conquest in the region.”
“We are hungry, we have nothing left, but this sacrifice is nothing compared to those of us resisting in the south. It is resistance that protects and supports us,” says another refugee.
But this discourse is not unanimous among a population at its breaking point, where many are eagerly awaiting peace as well. In two weeks, Israel has already killed over 800 people.
“This is truly one war too many after so many crises. Everyone was looking to the future with great hope, but today the legendary resilience of the Lebanese is totally tested,” summarizes Rima Abdul Malak, former minister under Emmanuel Macron and director of L’Orient-Le Jour, a leading newspaper in Lebanon.
Furthermore, the threat of invasion is stirring painful memories. “History repeats itself, that’s our drama. Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978, expanded its invasion in 1982, and stayed until 2000. That’s how Hezbollah was born and grew during all those years, in reaction to the occupation,” she recalls. “So even if their goal was to completely annihilate Hezbollah, who can guarantee that another radical movement won’t emerge from the occupation of Lebanese territory.”
For now, with the high risk of a large-scale Israeli ground invasion, calls for diplomacy are growing, particularly from the UN and France. President Emmanuel Macron has “encouraged” Israel to accept direct discussions with Lebanon.
