Fear grips South Lebanon over Israeli strikes: Video
Residents in Lebanon are expressing growing concern as tensions with Israel escalate, following a series of deadly explosions and retaliatory strikes.
Israel confirmed it had launched attacks on Hezbollah, just hours after the group's leader, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, vowed retribution for explosions that targeted its communication devices, killing 37 people and injuring thousands.
Local fisherman Khaed Sonbol, speaking to the AFP on Nasrallah’s speech, said, "Yesterday, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel is threatening us. They started with the device explosions, and we don't know what they will do next. A fellow brother from the resistance was hit by an explosion just two meters away from us, and it took a long time to evacuate him due to the poor conditions in this country."
The looming threat of war has also had a direct impact on local businesses. Ziyad Kalo, a stationery shop owner, noted, "People, overall, are afraid. It's back-to-school time, and the demand (for school supplies) is weak because people fear that schools might close. We share the same concerns as everyone else. May God protect this country."
Ahmed Betakji, a Lebanese employee, further added "The fear of war has become an increasing obsession for all Lebanese. We feel that the risk of war is growing day by day and that it is very near. As Lebanese, we wish there would be no war and hope it does not happen."
Hezbollah has accused Israel of being behind the explosions that targeted its operatives' communication devices. The two-day attack reportedly disabled thousands of pagers and radios used by Hezbollah members.
