Lebanon Exodus: Fear of Israeli Missiles Sparks Exodus from South Lebanon

The escalation of the Israel-Hamas war has induced a surge of fear among residents in south Lebanon, causing thousands to flee northwards due to the potential of Israeli missile attacks. The continuing conflict directly threatens the relative calm, sparking fears of a wider conflagration that spills beyond national boundaries.

Anna, a kindergarten teacher in the southern Lebanese village of Barich, is one of many who sought refuge in the national capital, Beirut. This is not a holiday for Anna and her two sons. They are fleeing the horror of potential Israeli missile attacks.

The war’s intensity has seen over 1,400 deaths in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli strikes following a grave Hamas attack. Potential involvement of Hezbollah escalates the fears, posing a major threat to the communities residing near the Israel-Lebanon border.

The southern border of Lebanon with Israel stretches to 81 kilometres, hosting about 600,000 inhabitants. The fear is rooted in the history of conflict between these nations that dates back to Israel’s creation in 1948. There is also a serious apprehension of this conflict surpassing the disaster of the previous face-off in 2006.

The exodus has been significant, particularly from Lebanon's southern villages. The spectre of the 2006 conflict haunts many, which led to most residents heading north to Beirut and its surrounding suburbs.

Further compounding the crisis is Lebanon's economic collapse since 2019. With over 90 percent of currency lost, the country is experiencing one of the world's worst financial crises. Consequently, today's escapees are more vulnerable than ever.

Low salaries, a declining private sector, and an over-reliance on remittances exacerbate south Lebanon's economic woes, with a potential conflict adding further woes. Amidst the panic, the Lebanese government has remained silent, adding to the anxiety and uncertainty within the populace.

As the war looms, some defiant locals are refusing to leave. Some lack the resources or support to move, while others, hardened by the past experiences of war, choose to stay put. Despite the mass exodus and the prevailing fear, a significant number are choosing to face the uncertainty from their homes.