Lebanon once was the jewel of the Middle East 🌟, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. From the enchanting Cedar Nature Reserve 🌲 to its scenic Mediterranean coastline 🌊, it wasn't just a place on the map—it was \"Switzerland of the Middle East.\"
But today, this beautiful country is facing hardships that challenge its spirit.
A War-Torn Paradise 💔
The Hezbollah-Israel conflict has been dragging on for over a year, and things have heated up even more recently. Tensions spiked on September 17 after an explosion in Lebanon, and by September 27, an Israeli airstrike hit Beirut, leading to the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
On October 1, Israeli forces entered Lebanon, marking the first ground operations in 18 years. The conflict has had a devastating impact: as of Monday, over 2,483 Lebanese lives have been lost, and 11,628 people are injured.
But what does all this mean for the people who call Lebanon home?
Daily Life in the Shadow of Conflict 🕊️
We spoke to 37-year-old Elie Farhat, who has lived through multiple wars in Lebanon. From his stories, we glimpse the real struggles of ordinary people.
An Economy on the Edge 📉
Lebanon's economy has been in crisis since 2019. Before the recent escalations, the southern regions faced the worst, but now the entire country feels the strain.
Tourism has collapsed. Hotels are empty 🏨, businesses are shut, and the lively streets have gone quiet. \"Unlike during the pandemic, people can't work from home now; most can't even stay at home,\" says Farhat. \"Most businesses have completely shut down to minimize risk.\"
Electricity is a daily challenge. With the national grid failing, people get maybe one or two hours of power a day ⚡. Generators are costly and polluting, and as fuel prices soar, darkness creeps into cities.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis 🚨
Over 191,000 people are displaced, crammed into shelters that are bursting at the seams. Supermarket shelves are empty 🍞, prices are sky-high 💸, and even basic necessities are hard to find.
\"The few supermarkets still open have outrageous prices,\" Farhat tells us. \"People can buy at most a bottle of water, not a case.\"
Streets are now home to families who had homes, jobs, and dreams just weeks ago. \"We're not talking about the poor; we're talking about those who once lived in beautiful homes, attended good schools, and drove nice cars,\" Farhat says. \"Just five minutes after receiving an evacuation call, they find themselves on the streets.\"
The Youth Are Leaving ✈️
Lebanon's talent is vanishing. With over 15 million Lebanese living abroad, more people are leaving every day. Doctors, engineers, artists—they're building lives elsewhere. Farhat moved to Dubai 15 years ago, and many others are following his path.
But not everyone wants to leave. Farhat's parents remain in Lebanon. \"They worry that if they leave, their home will be occupied,\" he explains. \"Lebanon is their homeland, their land, the place where their family and friends are, and where their roots and memories are buried.\"
Wounds That Run Deep 💔
For those who stay, life is filled with uncertainty.
\"We lack bomb shelters; when airstrikes happen, all we can do is pray,\" Farhat shares. Parents try to keep their kids calm, saying, \"Don't worry, the bombs won't hit us.\"
Despite the fear and hardship, hope flickers. \"People are just waiting—waiting for the war to end and for a new chapter to begin,\" Farhat says.
Holding Onto Hope 🌈
Lebanon's story is one of resilience. Even in the darkest times, its people hold onto hope, dreams, and the wish for peace.
As the world watches, perhaps it's time to pay closer attention to the voices of those living through the conflict—their stories, their struggles, and their unwavering spirit.
Reference(s):
Middle East Insights: Life in Lebanon amid Hezbollah-Israel conflict
cgtn.com
