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Answer
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Name
Ayman
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Profession
Question
Assalamu `alaykom,
It is a deep sorrow in ourselves to follow this big calamity which reflects our regimes' weakness.
Any way, I want to know your real feeling about this tyrannical onslaught on our beloved Lebanon, especially you was contemporary with this issue. And I'm sure you will narrate the real scene far from what we see in our governmental media.
Jazakum Allah khayran
Answer
Wa alaikum as-salam Ayman,
I have to say that it is very difficult to express my feelings towards what I have experienced in Beirut and what is still going on offensively against the whole beloved country, Lebanon.
I used to write about the Palestinian Intifada. I went to southern Lebanon celebrating the liberation and stoned the Israeli soldiers at the borders. I even interviewed Naim Qasem, Hizbullah's deputy secretary-general asking him about their experience in resistance and politics. I thought that I know what it means to face an unjust war against yourself and how you have to resist it.
Only last Wednesday and Thursday I discovered that I was wrong. It is not that easy; it costs a lot. It is very difficult to live the current situation in Lebanon. Hearing the missiles firing the Southern neighborhood (only 15 minutes away from Beirut city centre, where I was) and being sure that people over there are killed, their houses destroyed and you can not help them. We were so close and we may be the next target. I experienced that feeling that my husband or I may lose each other under severe pressure of helplessness. We heard the sounds of the Israeli planes over our heads playing their vicious tones day and night.
One of the most important mechanisms to confront your fear is to talk to people. A Lebanese librarian told us "I know what war is like, but how can I explain to my teenage son why his friend was killed, while he was asleep, by the Israeli bombardments?" Many old people in Lebanon are used to military threats from Israel.
Psychotically, most of the people told me that they have no choice but to stand firmly against the Israeli aggressive assaults.
Materialistically, I will not exaggerate if I say that what we are facing is a real disaster in Lebanon. Israeli bombers hit the bridges, roads and fuel depots with strikes against Lebanese infrastructure. They focused on the southern suburbs which are considered Hizbullah's stronghold. Israeli jets striked the runways at Beirut's international airport, forcing the airport to close.
At the Southern Lebanese borders, life is miserable, especially for the families who have kids. Israel targets village after another. People are going through a lot of stress, fear and uncertainty. The roads are so dangerous; many people have lost their lives on them as the Israeli missiles targeting the vehicles. People are afraid to travel - but they are also afraid if they stay in their houses.
Today, Israel announces that every road in Lebanon from the north to the south is a target for their fire. Literally , Lebanon is under siege.
Name
Anonymous
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Profession
Question
Why doesn't the Lebanese Army use anti air weapons against the invading
aircraft (which do the most damage)?
I read somewhere that Israel warned them not to, so is this the mere reason why the Lebanon Army or at least Hizbullah refrains from using anti air weapons?
Answer
It is very important to know that Lebanon is not a classical nation state with a central government and army.
Lebanon is a very special country in its political and institutional structures. The Lebanese army is not fully equipped or experienced; do not forget the Syrian military existence in Lebanon after the civil war and how many factors weakened the Lebanese's army emergence and development.
Personally, I heard many analysts criticized the army technically and financially but despite that I heard the anti-missiles batteries that have been used by the Lebanese army against the Israeli strikes of the airport.
By the way, Israel today targeted many military points killing 10 Lebanese soldiers.
Name
Afifa
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Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikum
How are the Christian and Muslim relations concerning the current attack on Lebanon by Israel. Are they united?
Answer
Wa alaykum assalam,
Christian–Muslim is not the only line of division among the Lebanese.
Anyone who tries to read the historical or the current scene in Lebanon notices easily that it is more complicated than that. Religiously and ethnically, there is a spectrum of diverse communities living together in a richly-textured society; various Christian groups (from Catholic Maronites to Evangelical Presbyterians), Sunni and Shi`aa Muslims.
Politically, there are many contradictions and stances, especially when it comes to the relationship with Syria.
Currently, some people are extremely against paying the price for the whole Arab nation; being the only front of war against Israel. Others see the militant confrontation with Israel as a battle of existence and honor.
I can say to you that politically, culturally and socially the Lebanese are different but now humanly they are almost united. The danger is bigger than any differences or contradictions.
Name
fikret
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Profession
Question
Assalamu alaykum,
What did you see there?
Please explain because I do not beleive much in TV and newspeapers.
And how can we Muslims help them?
Answer
Dear Fikret,
I answered your question partially replying to Ayman, but I would like to continue my testimony.
In addition to targeting civilians and the infrastructure, we have to know that there is a lack of food and medicine supplies. On July 16, the Lebanese Health Minister announced that their stocks of medicine may cover them for 7-10 days.
Moreover, the ambulance and fire-fighting vehicles are not excluded from the Israeli strikes and bombings. A large number of people are isolated in their villages without food, medicine or electricity and some of them are injured or killed. In Lebanon, there are no equipped shelters protecting people from the bombings.
It sounds as if the world is running out of mercy.
Name
Breathe
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Profession
Question
From what you've seen, are the civilian targets that Israel is hitting really innocent or are they structures harboring Hizbullah members that the Israeli army is going after?
Answer
Dear,
Civilians are massively targeted in an escalated rate day after another. People understand that they are targeted to lose their faith and turn against Hizbullah, blaming it for the whole catastrophe.
You have to know that Hizbullah has different activities and forms of loyalty varied from the militant members to the political and social representatives and ended with ordinary people who can be considered as sympathizers. I assure you that all of these categories plus a large spectrum of civilian people with and against Hezbollah are targeted by the Israeli forces, there is no exception.
Name
Ismail
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Profession
student
Question
A lot of people think that Hizbullah is partially reponsible of what is happening.
Are there Hizbullah soldiers held by Israel for it to take its revenge?
What were the reasons behind the Hizbullah action, especially that Israel got out of its territory in the south of Lebanon?
I also want to know how we can get out of this crisis, especially that the human and material losses on the Lebanese side are dramatically important?
Jazaki Allahu khayran
Answer
Yes, some people blame Hizbullah for the current situation.
Inside Lebanon, some political leaders think that Hizbullah act unilaterally (by capturing those two Israeli soldiers) but Hizbullah assured those people that such militant operation needs to be done secretly and confidentially and Hizbullah did not want to embarrass the Lebanese government by sharing these plans.
Hizbullah announced that this operation is dedicated to the Arab detainees in Isreali prisons and to show their solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.
But some analysts, especially Western analysts, see what has happened in a larger picture; I mean a regional one.
According to Roger Hardi, BBC:
Hezbollah has a number of motives:
It wants to strengthen its position in the Lebanese political arena, and in particular deflect pressure on it to disarm - as a UN resolution, passed in 2004, requires it to do.
It wants to show its support for the Palestinians, and in particular for the Islamist group Hamas, and so present itself as a champion of the anti-Israeli struggle.
Last but not least, it is sending an unmistakable message to the United States on behalf of its regional allies, Syria and Iran - squeeze us, and we will make trouble.
What I want to say, it is not time for analyzing intentions and motives. Any human being should stand against what is going on now in Lebanon regardless of any political interpretation.
Name
Karima
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Profession
Question
How did you actually manage to escape from the borders? Did you go through Damascus?
Wasn't the road bombed?
Answer
It is very difficult to describe how we escaped Beirut.
Firstly, because we left very kind and decent people who greeted and prayed for us to reach our country safely while all of us know that they may lose their lives at any time. For me, Beirut is a very intimate place. It is a very beautiful and vivid capital. I attended a conference there, went sightseeing and engaged with the people. Escaping the beauty and the civilization that we all fail to defend is a very difficult moment that I will never forgive myself or whoever caused this for Lebanon.
My husband and I decided after one day of the operation to be with the people and continue our vacation. When they targeted the airport, we thought that it will take two days and then we can go back to Cairo safely as we came. But after hearing the bombing of the southern suburbs, we could not expect a brighter image. A tourist company called and told us that they can transport us in a car with a driver through the Shturah–Zahlah–Damascus road. We could not decide easily, we may be targeted at the road by the Israeli planes and missiles. This is the second difficulty one faces when leaving Beirut.
We called a Friend in Southern Lebanon (he was under siege in a very difficult situation) and he advised us to take the risk as soon as we can; telling us that these road has many Christian villages and he doubted that it will be targeted
We took the risk. Notice that after reaching Damascus that this road (which we have taken) was bombed by Israeli missiles, three were killed and nine injured including women and children.
Being pregnant with my first baby, I thanked God that my baby has not come yet to this world. It was not only the Israeli aggression but also the Arab corruption, we faced a lot of offensive action; we were asked for bribes and the departure procedures were delayed at the Lebanese and Syrian borders from the officers and before their bosses. We cried for the first time, noticing why we have been beaten by Israel. In Damascus airport, it was a continuation of the tragedy. After spending a difficult night at Damascus, it was only after we succeeded to find a VIP we know that we guaranteed two seats on the plane.
Name
ikhwan
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Profession
freelance journalist
Question
Assalamu alaykum,
What is the true fact of this war?
Answer
Here is a very short answer for a very difficult short question:
Seeking truth is our job but noticing it is not guaranteed.
Personally, I see Hizbullah's operation as merely an action of militant resistance but because it works in a pressed political atmosphere, every tiny detail and expectation should be considered and calculated.
For Israel, it is more than stopping Hizbullah. They are now talking about a changed situation and new rules.
Away from the pragmatic calculations, people around the world, any one who is for mercy and justice should stop Israel from what it is doing and planning for.
Name
Omar
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Profession
Software Engineer
Question
In your opinion, how effective are the medical teams and hospitals in treating the Lebanese wounded?
Are decent medical services available, or are the hospitals bombed out?
Answer
Unfortunately, they are not fully equipped or ready for facing the current disaster as I mentioned before they are among the targets of the Israeli bombarding and they will run out of their supplies in a few days.
Name
Francy
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Profession
writer
Question
Please, what is your point of view in explaining the Hizbullah attack towards Israel when Israel was setting Gaza free, and in doing so showing the first steps towards the process of peace and withdrawing from the Occupied Territories?
Thank you for your attention.
Answer
Dear Francy,
You might conclude your opinion out of following up some of the Western or may be the Israeli media, but the facts on the ground speak out louder.
Gaza, even before capturing the Israeli soldier, was under fire and siege. You might have heard of Huda Ghaliah and her family (i.e. the Gaza Beach massacre): A Palestinian family went to the beach to breathe fresh air away from fear and anger. After a while, they were fired by an Israeli missile without any reason. Most of the members of this family have been killed and the rest are psychologically destroyed.
The Israeli unilateral withdrawal from Gaza is no more working. Currently, there is a large-scale ground invasion.
Please try to seek your information from balanced sources.
Thank you for your question.
Name
Fareeha
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Profession
Question
Assalamu alaykum wrwb
What can you tell us about the real situation in Lebanon and how are people coping with that?
Answer
Thank you Fareeha,
I think I answered your questions before, but I only want to emphasize that the social solidarity and volunteerism are the most successful ways to face the current situation.
Please pray for the people there and keep their cause in your mind.
Name
Sarfaraz
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Profession
Engineer
Question
Assalamu alaykum,
How was the situation when you left in Lebanon?
What is the condition of local people out there? Are they getting any support?
Answer
I described their situation there, but unfortunately I doubt if they are receiving any support.
I am sorry to say it, but shame on us; I feel very sorry when I noticed the visit of the French Prime Minister to Lebanon to show solidarity, whatever the French stance was, while the key Arab players and leaders are satisfied with criticizing what they called the gamblers.
Name
Egfoo Yong
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Profession
Tugboat Skipper
Question
What is the prognosis for the civil war to begin anew?
Answer
Dear Egfoo Yong,
This is not a new civil war. It is a war between Israel and Lebanon as a whole.
I think the Lebanese learned the lesson and they will not go for a new civil war whatever the differences and the frictions are.
Name
Suzie Ombraker
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Profession
Question
Does this mean that there will not be much tourism this Summer?
How will it affect the Lebanese economy?
Answer
Yes. Unfortunately, most of the tourists escaped the country and it is said that 20 000 workers in the tourism sector are going to lose their jobs.
The country will face a real hard economic situation but I think what is more important now is to guarnantee the safety of the people who will build their country after the hard times will end, in sha Allah.
Name
Hilary Toadstool
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Profession
Lecturer on Female Anatomy
Question
From your perspective, do the Lebanese citizenry understand that all of this started when the Hizbullah terrorists crossed over into Israel to kill and kidnap?
Answer
Not all the people there hold this viewpoint.
Some people believe that Israel will not allow Hizbullah to continue its project militarily and politically without confrontation.
Even the people who accused Hizbullah of the current situation delayed any internal confrontation.
Unlike what was expected from Israel, these incidents united the people relatively.
Name
Snerdley
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Profession
Mortgage Banker
Question
Are you competent to acknowledge the right of Israel to destroy overt threats against its existence?
Or are you one of the twits who want Jews to once again lie down quietly and be destroyed?
Answer
No, I am for people who are defending their lands, not those who occupy others.
I am for the people who defend their right of existence militarily but observing the ethics of war, who did not lose their humanity in the process and who are telling the truth and not misleading the world using lies and fabrications.
Thank you for your question.
Name
Ganu
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Profession
Question
What about the stance of some Arab countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan?
How do the people you met see this?
Answer
People there are not so shocked to hear these stances; they did not expect any formal support from the Arab governments but it is too much not to support people and to keep criticizing the different sides and parties.
Personally, I see that it was not wise or honorable.
Name
Rasha
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Profession
Question
Dear Dalia,
I praise Allah you are saved and have returned in good health to your home.
I do not ask you to recall the terror you have lived. Just in few words, send a message to the world. Express in it how the war victims suffer and moan.
Welocme home my beloved.
Answer
Many thanks Rasha,
It is not easy to send the world a message on behalf of the people who are completely disappointed and do not expect any help from that world. They feel themselves completely alone, praying to Allah to protect them.
But I am saying that the world needs to help them, we need to help them. Otherwise, we will not forgive ourselves.
The world again will not be a safe place. Anger and hatred are everywhere now. Please do something, it will never be the same after what happened in Lebanon.
Name
Moosa
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Profession
Da`ia
Question
Assalaam alaykum
Is there any financial assistance coming in from any country or any other organisation?
Answer
According to my knowledge, there is not.
People are talking about Iranian and Syrian support to the resistance but the ordinary people, until now, received none.
Please keep pressing the regional and the international organizations to reach the people there and support them after opening the door for donations and volunteerism.
