Lebanon is experiencing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the expansion of the current Israeli-Gaza war. 

This crisis has led to over 2,500 Lebanese dead, more than 10,000 injured, and 1.5 million people (more than one fifth of the population) displaced, as of November 1, 2024.  

Israel’s bombs have caused destruction across the entirety of the country, including thousands of homes, hospitals, churches, and mosques. Entire villages have been destroyed from this conflict, leaving hundreds of families dead, injured, or separated. 

Not only is all of this destruction and death occurring, but children are being deprived of their education. 

If they are not already displaced, children are unable to attend school due to the fact that the schools in Lebanon are being used as shelter for those who are displaced.

This country is approximately the size of Connecticut, the third smallest state in the US, at the crossroads between the Eastern and Western sides of the Middle East. 

Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and picturesque beaches, a vibrant capital, and ancient ruins – Lebanon is an idyllic country, yet it continuously grapples with crises and conflicts. 

Many bombs have directly impacted healthcare workers and journalists. Healthcare workers are performing their duties, responding to calls for help during bombardments – putting their lives at risk. 

Over 100 medical and healthcare workers have been killed across Lebanon, with 23 medical facilities directly targeted. 

Similarly, journalists are also in harms’ way, reporting on all that is happening, hoping to get their stories out into the world. So far 11 journalists have been killed, and eight have been wounded. 

Along with civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, there is also a dangerous impact on the environment, with over 10,000 acres of forests having burned down due to Israel’s air force bombings. 

These fires are so prevalent, in fact, that many people are saying that fires are one of the most visible signs of the conflict. 

Additionally, Lebanon is a very old country, having been mentioned seventy times in the Bible. It is so old that several ancient Roman ruins reside there. 

These ruins are already fragile as it is. However, with the ongoing attacks, this piece of history is at risk. The ruins of Baalbek, Byblos, and Tyre, as well as many others, can potentially be destroyed, removing thousands of years of history with them. 

Although this may seem like a new conflict, this is the fourth time that Israel has invaded Lebanon. 

Young people are becoming more aware about the conflicts in the Middle East, thanks to first-hand sources of information via social media. 

It is only now that more people are starting to hear about the conflict, as we have news coverage and social media to aid in educating people. 

It is, honestly, outrageous that at this point in time, in the twenty-first century, we feel the need to resort to violence rather than peace. It is so saddening that this is the solution people are moving towards. 

This is not the first time a nation has attempted to occupy Lebanon. Throughout history, many nations have occupied and passed through this holy land, including the Romans, Greeks, Ottomans, French, Syrians and Israelis. 

And yet, Lebanon has managed to fight back, every time. The Lebanese people are resilient and will rebuild. 

This time, there is some hope that, when it rebuilds, it focuses on rebuilding based on the proper foundation; that of peace, prosperity, and democracy.