On October 7, 2023, the genocide that began in Gaza extended its reach nearly 160 miles further. A genocide that has continued unabated for more than 420 days shows no signs of ending, and now, its shadow looms ominously over Lebanon.
Lebanon, Israel’s southern neighbor, is home to over 400,000 Palestinian refugees and is on target with Israel. According to Israeli claims, bombing from the northern side has triggered retaliation. Hence, on September 18, Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon.
The airstrikes continue to date, which already killed 2,000 innocent civilians, wounded over 10,000, and displaced more than half of the population. Yet the question remains: If the attacks were focused on the border, why is Israel targeting innocent people in Beirut, the capital?
It appears that Israel’s intention is not just retaliation but a broader agenda—to erase Lebanon, just as it seeks to erase Gaza. However, Israel justifies its airstrikes on Beirut by claiming that Hamas commanders are allegedly hiding within the city.
The Hardship of Lebanon
Lebanon is one of the poorest countries in the world, where three out of four people live below the poverty line. Struggling with limited resources, a collapsing healthcare system, and meager incomes, the nation was already on the brink of disaster even before the war intensified.
The economic crisis has further crippled the government, leaving it unable to generate revenue or gather the resources necessary to provide adequate healthcare services. As a result, countless civilians wounded in the conflict are left without proper treatment, leading many to succumb to preventable deaths. Trapped between the relentless devastation of war and the collapse of their healthcare system, the suffering of Lebanon’s people knows no bounds.
To make matters worse, Israel’s unrelenting attacks have exacerbated the crisis, bringing a level of destruction that feels nothing short of apocalyptic for the already struggling civilians.
Lebanon, with a population of 5.2 million, is home to 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 400,000 Palestinians—communities that sought safety after being displaced from their own countries. Now, these refugees, along with the Lebanese population, face unimaginable hardships as they are once again forced to flee their homes, their hopes of safety shattered.
The Current Situation of Lebanon
Lebanon is currently enduring one of the most harrowing crises in its history, fueled by the ongoing conflict with Israel. The relentless violence has led to countless innocent lives lost, widespread displacement, and an overwhelming need for humanitarian aid that remains unmet.
For civilians, each day feels like living on the edge of death. Having witnessed the devastation in Gaza, fear grips the hearts of the Lebanese people, wondering if they, too, are destined to face the same horrors. Tragically, those fears are already becoming a reality. Without warning, Israeli forces reduce entire buildings to rubble, leaving neighborhoods unrecognizable. Families watch in horror as their homes, loved ones, and memories are swallowed by the earth before their very eyes.
The country lacks the infrastructure to cope with such devastation. Desperate civilians scramble for aid, only to find scarcity at every turn. The soaring costs of basic necessities due to the war have plunged families into deeper despair, with many now succumbing to hunger. Children cry from empty stomachs, parents sacrifice meals to keep their little ones alive, and the haunting shadow of starvation grows darker each day.
This crisis is not just a war on borders but a war on humanity. The people of Lebanon, already burdened by poverty and displacement, are now fighting for survival against a storm of destruction that leaves no room for hope. The world cannot afford to look away, for each passing moment brings another life to the brink of ruin.
The Role of the USA in Lebanon Conflicts
The United States plays a pivotal yet complex role in the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict, with its actions deeply influencing the trajectory of the war. By providing significant military aid—$3.8 billion annually and an additional $14 billion during this crisis—the U.S. ensures Israel’s defense and supports its military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. Diplomatically, the Biden administration has transitioned from advocating for peace to endorsing efforts to weaken Hezbollah, aiming to bolster Israel’s security.
However, this approach comes at a heavy cost. The conflict’s humanitarian toll in Lebanon grows dire, with civilians caught in relentless violence and scarce resources. While the U.S. expresses intentions for a sustainable resolution, including enforcing U.N. Resolution 1701, its influence over Israeli actions has diminished. Escalating tensions threaten to ignite broader regional conflict, risking more lives and destabilizing an already fragile Middle East.
As the U.S. balances military support with diplomatic efforts, the global community must not stand idle. Countries worldwide must step forward, demanding an immediate ceasefire and aiding those suffering. Together, the international community holds the power to stop this cycle of destruction and restore hope to the millions yearning for peace and safety. The time to act is now.
