This morning we left the traffic-clogged streets of Beirut, which has stuffed up with individuals fleeing areas hit by Israeli airstrikes, for the Bekaa Valley.
Lebanon is as ever a story of two international locations. Within the hill resorts of Mount Lebanon life feels fairly regular however issues change as you drop into the Bekaa Valley, the place the visitors thins out dramatically and issues really feel far more tense.
Israel has mounted airstrikes throughout the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold. In a abandoned restaurant within the village of Hezarta, the aged proprietress, Amal, tells us that there have been air strikes in a number of areas on its outskirts.
Up the highway in a settlement referred to as Umul an airstrike hit an outlying farm, she and her grandson Hassan inform us. The couple dwelling within the farmstead had been joined by two family who had fled from the south, assuming they might be safer right here.
That was not the case. “Solely one of many 4 survived,” Hassan says.
Sitting alone among the many jars of olive oil and dried cherries she makes to promote to prospects, Amal tells us that usually the restaurant, with its beautiful view throughout the valley, could be stuffed with patrons by midday. However it’s now empty.
Regardless of the risk to her security, she has no plans to depart.
“The place would I’m going?” She says. “I’m not scared. When your time comes, it comes. If God desires you to stay then you’ll stay, even when the Israelis bomb you.”
