Dahieh residents fear strikes as Lebanon pins hopes on talks

Fear grips the Lebanese suburb of Dahieh as residents contemplate evacuation following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authorization of intensified strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon. While Beirut has largely been spared since an April ceasefire, recent Israeli actions have reignited anxieties.

"By just saying a few words on TV, (Netanyahu) causes everyone to panic and flee their homes," said Tony Aboud in Beirut's Hamra district. "I don’t know what’s going to happen and how long we can live like this."

The Lebanese government, which campaigned on promises of reform and disarming militant groups, is pursuing direct talks with Israel. However, Hezbollah opposes these negotiations, while Israel insists it will not withdraw its troops until Hezbollah no longer threatens its northern towns. Hezbollah, in turn, has vowed to continue fighting until Israeli airstrikes cease and troops withdraw from Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict, which began when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2, has had devastating consequences. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 3,185 people have been killed and over 9,600 wounded in Lebanon. Israel reports 23 soldiers and a defense contractor killed in or near southern Lebanon, along with two civilians killed in northern Israel, primarily by drones.

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By just saying a few words on TV, (Netanyahu) causes everyone to panic and flee their homes. I don’t know what’s going to happen and how long we can live like this.