In the war-ravaged towns surrounding the historic Lebanese city of Baalbek, defiance mingles with despair in the wake of devastating Israeli airstrikes. The death toll has surpassed 120 in the region, with many civilians killed without warning despite Israel’s claims of targeting Hezbollah. As the conflict intensifies, the survivors cling to their resolve to stay, even as their world crumbles around them.
“We’re Proud to Be Here and We Won’t Leave”
Fadi, a gaming cafe owner in Bednayel, lost eight family members when an Israeli airstrike hit his home. His brother Ali and his young family had sought refuge there, fearing their own house near a petrol station would be targeted. The heartbreaking scene Fadi encountered as he dug through the rubble underscores the indiscriminate nature of the bombing:
“I pulled my brother out of the rubble in pieces. I found his four-year-old daughter’s hand in the branches of an olive tree 20 metres away.”
– Fadi, Bednayel resident
Despite his immense loss, Fadi remains steadfast, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the region: “Israel’s goal is to get us to stop supporting Hezbollah – but we won’t. We’re proud to be here and we won’t leave.” He emphasizes that while his family supported Hezbollah politically, they were civilians, not members of the organization.
Evacuation Orders and Panic
The Israeli military’s unprecedented evacuation orders for Baalbek and nearby towns sent shockwaves through the region. Tens of thousands fled, seeking safety elsewhere. But many villages, like Bednayel, were not included in the orders and received no warning before the bombs fell.
The city of Baalbek, known for its ancient Roman ruins, now stands eerily empty. With the provincial governor warning residents not to seek shelter near the UNESCO World Heritage site, the once-vibrant city has become a ghost town, its streets littered with debris from nearby airstrikes.
Hospitals Struggle to Cope
For those who stayed behind, medical care hangs in the balance. At the Dar al-Amal hospital in Douris, half the staff have been displaced, and three nurses lost their lives in off-duty Israeli strikes. Director Ali Allam worries about manpower shortages as the hospital takes in the injured and dead from nearby bombings.
“Maybe the good thing is that in the Bekaa, the houses are spread far apart. Economically, it will be more costly for them to bomb us. They wouldn’t get their money’s worth. But who could stop them if they finish in south [Lebanon]?”
– Ali Allam, Director of Dar al-Amal hospital
Amir al-Nimr, a 21-year-old Baalbek resident, barely survived an Israeli strike that killed his family and left him with severe injuries. From his hospital bed, he insists: “There was nothing in our home from Hezbollah… From my point of view, this is a war against the Shia, you can see what regions of Lebanon they’re hitting. But no matter what happens, I won’t leave.”
A Region Under Siege
As the conflict rages on, the Baalbek region finds itself in the crosshairs of an increasingly brutal campaign. Israel’s focus on the Bekaa Valley has displaced over 1.2 million people across Lebanon, with the death toll continuing to rise.
For those who remain, each day brings new challenges and heartbreak. But in the face of unimaginable loss, the survivors stand united in their determination to persevere. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the indomitable spirit of those caught in its midst.
