Escalating Tensions: Baalbek Residents Defy Israeli Attacks Amid Strife
In the wake of recent Israeli evacuation warnings, dentist Ahmad al Joubbe and his wife Sarwat returned to their home in Baalbek, Lebanon, despite the ongoing conflict. As tensions rise and air strikes claim lives, the couple mirrors the resilience of tens of thousands in the region, illustrating both fear and determination amidst uncertainty.
A Dangerous Return
Ahmad al Joubbe, 43, and his wife Sarwat, 30, initially sought refuge at Sarwat’s sister’s home after hearing about imminent threats to Baalbek, a city renowned for its ancient Roman ruins and vibrant Christian heritage. After three nights away, they decided to return to their residence, located in what has been termed a “red zone.” Surrounded by the historic Roman temple complex and a nearby church, they find a strange comfort in their surroundings.
"We trust the Israelis to give advance warnings," Sarwat admitted, reflecting the fragility of their circumstances. Yet, the couple cannot ignore the harrowing reality of their environment. Sarwat recounted a recent tragedy in the family, where an air strike had devastated her cousin’s house, killing seven inhabitants, including women and children. “Nobody knows what Israel decides,” she lamented.
A Wave of Violence
The situation in Baalbek-Hermel has rapidly deteriorated since Israel issued an evacuation warning for the city on October 30. An analysis by the Sunday Times highlighted that many air strikes occur outside the designated warning areas. Amnesty International further criticized these warnings as misleading, often released with mere minutes’ notice and accompanied by inaccurate maps. Thereafter, at least 152 individuals have been reported killed in the region, with grave incidents occurring regularly.
Just last Wednesday, the Lebanese health ministry reported that 40 people lost their lives and 53 were injured during Israeli air strikes in Baalbek. The sheer frequency of attacks—roughly 40 air strikes in one day—has left locals in a state of despair.
Cultural Heritage Under Siege
The Baalbek International Festival, which is set to commemorate its 75th year in 2025, has urgently sought assistance from international organizations to prevent further bombardments damaging their cultural heritage. Notably, an Ottoman-era building was recently destroyed, raising alarm over the potential devastation to UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.
The European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, expressed his distress over the escalating violence, sharing his condemnation on social media. “The respect of International Humanitarian Law is not negotiable,” he stated, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict-ridden area.
Daily Life Amidst Destruction
Despite the ongoing air strikes, life continues in Baalbek. Many shops remain closed, yet others, like a car parts store and a convenience shop, have adapted to the crisis. Local restaurant owner Mahmoud Habib, whose establishment, Al Rida, was reduced to rubble, expressed his commitment to the city. “We will stay here, we’ll stay here forever,” he proclaimed, even as he mourned the loss of his livelihoods.
Habib clarified that he bears no animosity towards Hizbullah, despite widespread accusations of their involvement with weaponry. “It makes me sad to see places from history being broken in this way,” he remarked, emphasizing his desire to preserve Baalbek’s cultural identity.
Health Crisis Intensifies
Inside Baalbek’s governmental hospital, an eerie calm prevails as workers repair air strike damage. Most patients are now transferred for safety, as new admissions dwindle. Workers reported that many air strike victims did not survive long enough to receive treatment upon arrival, leaving the facility under-equipped to handle an unpredictable influx of casualties.
Nurse Nida Yahfof recounted the horrors she has witnessed firsthand, stating that the devastation of families has been overwhelming. Tragically, her sister is among the injured, caught in an air strike just moments from her home.
Impacts and Future Outlook
As the conflict escalates, Lebanon’s ministry of health reports staggering civilian casualties—over 3,000 fatalities and more than 13,000 injuries since late October alone. This violence marks a gruesome chapter in the ongoing conflict that has seen over 600 women and 190 children among the deceased.
Conversely, Israeli reports cite losses on their side, primarily through cross-border attacks launched by Hizbullah. The cycle of violence shows no signs of abating, with both sides digging in for what appears to be a protracted struggle.
Voices from the Ground
As local residents navigate an exceedingly turbulent existence without clear answers, some express a fatalistic acceptance of their plight. Hwayda Amhaz reflected poignantly, saying, “I hope to be a martyr; we will leave when we die.” Meanwhile, others lament the grave injustices wrought by foreign policy decisions, underscoring the complex reality of civilian life amidst warfare.
In these tumultuous times, as drone activity looms overhead, residents of Baalbek remain steadfast in their determination to endure, their lives a testament to resilience in the face of despair.
For more insights into the humanitarian impact of ongoing conflicts, visit our related articles on Human Rights in Conflict Zones and Sustaining Heritage in War.
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