Increasing Tension Forces Residents to Flee Israel-Lebanon Border

Tensions have been escalating along the Lebanese border with Israel, as armed militants from Lebanon and the Israeli army exchange fire. There are concerns that these skirmishes could lead to a larger conflict. In the southern town of Bein Jbeil, near the border on the Lebanese side, the streets are quiet and most shops are closed. Many residents in this area, as well as in other border villages, have left due to fears that the war between Israel and Hamas will spread to their area, which is dominated by the powerful Shia Islamist group Hezbollah. Despite the tension, some residents, like 52-year-old Mohammed Baidoun, choose to stay and have faith in Hezbollah's protection. The plans of Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the UK and the US, remain uncertain as its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has remained silent. However, the group has stated that they are fully ready and won't be deterred by demands to stay away. Israel regards Hezbollah, also a social and political movement formed in the 1980s, as a more formidable force than Hamas due to its vast arsenal of weapons and well-trained fighters. Currently, Hezbollah's actions are limited to cross-border strikes along the unofficial frontier between Lebanon and Israel. These clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides, including civilians. Residents on the Israeli side have also been fleeing and the Israeli military has evacuated several communities near the border. Further tensions arose in Lebanon following an explosion at a hospital in Gaza, which Hamas blamed on Israel, but the Israeli military attributed to a misfired Palestinian militant rocket. Hezbollah referred to it as an "unprecedented day of anger." The group's response will depend on the developments in Gaza, with its main supporter, Iran, possibly playing a role in the decision-making. Observers previously believed that neither Israel nor Hezbollah wanted another war, given the devastating conflict they fought in 2006. However, Lebanon is currently facing an economic crisis, political instability, and sectarian divisions that have worsened the situation. In the village of Dhayra, Israeli strikes hit a mosque and some houses. Some residents, like Sabrina Fanash, criticize the militants for using their village for attacks, as it has left their homes destroyed. Despite the challenges, many still rely on faith for protection.