Lebanon's Crisis: Where is Safe?

It's hard to imagine a place where safety is a luxury, but for many in Lebanon, this is their reality. The recent escalation of violence in the country has left over 1 million people without homes, and the fear of being bombed is a constant worry. Jihan Kaisi, the executive director of the Union of Relief and Development Association, recently expressed her concerns, saying, "There's no safe place guaranteed in Lebanon. " The Israeli strikes have been relentless, with many civilians forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in makeshift camps. Idzihar al Fouani, a 40-year-old mother, has been forced to flee her home with her family, searching for a safe place to live. "So, we are sitting and waiting," she said, "Something might happen or not, but God willing, things will get better. " The situation is dire, with many families struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. Fatima, a new mother, has been forced to sleep on the streets with her newborn baby, unable to afford the medical treatment she needs. "I'm unable to feed my baby who is crying constantly," she said, "I need medical help and we're waiting to see which shelter will take us in and maybe we will get some kind of assistance and food. " While the international community is urging caution, the people of Lebanon are living in fear of what might happen next. Kaisi fears that Lebanon could eventually become like Gaza, where the destruction is devastating and the people are suffering. "Families are scared," she said.