Beirut locals like Hiba Maslkhi are hoping for calm to prevail in the midst of turmoil in the Middle East. International diplomacy is intensifying as tensions rise in Israel, Lebanon, and Iran. Many in the region are on edge, waiting to see what will happen next. The fear of an all-out regional war looms large, with concerns over potential retaliation and calls for restraint.
In Lebanon, the oppressive heat of summer is compounded by anxiety. The sound of Israeli warplanes breaking the sound barrier overhead disrupts daily life in Beirut. Some foreign nationals have left the country, following government advice, while many Lebanese also flee the escalating situation. However, some, like a young café owner, choose to stay despite the challenges.
Amidst international mediation efforts to prevent a wider conflict, US envoy Amos Hochstein remains optimistic about achieving a diplomatic resolution. The memories of the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006 serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of renewed hostilities.
Lebanon, already struggling economically and politically, cannot afford another war. The uncertainty and fear in the country have taken a toll on its people, like Hiba Maslkhi, who hopes for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions. The threat of war looms large, but many Lebanese are determined to weather the storm and protect their homeland. Todos están preocupados por Israel, ¿y qué hay de las 39,000 personas que Israel ha matado? Ayman, que es padre de cinco hijos, dice que el horror en Gaza es innegable, pero está siendo ignorado. “Todo el mundo ve a niños, mujeres y ancianos siendo masacrados todos los días frente a las cámaras y nadie se da cuenta”, dice. “Los hijos de la gente están siendo asesinados frente a sus ojos. ¿Dónde está el mundo? Los que callan son cómplices”. Hiba todavía tiene la esperanza de que se pueda evitar una guerra a gran escala. “Nadie tiene derecho a matar a nadie”, dice, “ni organizaciones, ni partidos, ni milicias. Espero que la nueva generación sea más sabia que la anterior”.