Christian villages in Lebanon caught in crossfire of Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Christian communities in southern Lebanon find themselves trapped between Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah. Some residents refuse to leave their homes despite danger‚ citing economic hardship and deep ties to their land
In Qlaaya a small Christian village near the Israeli border‚ the sound of fighter jets and explosions has become a daily occurrence. Marita El Hajj‚ a 9-year-old girl with autism‚ stares blankly as her home shakes from nearby strikes.
Maritaʼs parents‚ Robert and Manal‚ face a difficult situation. The family cant afford to relocate due to Lebanonʼs ongoing economic crisis‚ which started roughly five years ago. “We just want peace“ Manal said‚ her voice trembling. “We do not want this war“
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been going on for about a year‚ but it has gotten much worse in the past few weeks. While many people have left the area some Christian towns and their priests are staying put.
People have different reasons for not leaving: some cant afford it‚ others think their presence protects their land‚ and some are afraid they wont be able to come back. The El Hajj family feels helpless‚ stuck in a war they dont support.
Every evening‚ volunteers in Qlaaya gather to prepare aid packages for the community. On 10/18/2024 they were putting together winter clothes. This helps people and keeps the community together during scary times.
If the village is empty and anyone can come and go then it will be even more dangerous for our homes
The situation is testing Lebanonʼs delicate balance between different religious groups. Some Christian areas that were mostly empty have been hit hard by airstrikes. People are worried about getting food and fuel if the fighting continues‚ especially as winter approaches
In Marjayoun another Christian village‚ only a few families remain. Samy Abla‚ a local leader‚ pointed to his daughters grave in his backyard. “There is a piece of me here“ he said. “How could I leave her?“
Many residents remember past conflicts and dont want to leave their homes again. The memory of a deadly evacuation in 2006 (about 18 years ago) still haunts some‚ like former mayor Fouad Hamra. When asked if he would evacuate if tanks returned‚ he wiped away tears and said‚ “Never again“
