In the Bekaa Valley, civilians face an unremitting threat from the sky as Israeli airstrikes escalate. Over 30 bombings occurred in a single hour, leaving the local populace in fear.
The death toll has risen to 46, with expectations of further casualties as hospitals are inundated with critically injured patients following recent attacks.
Among the injured is six-year-old Noor Mossawi, currently unconscious in the paediatric intensive care unit at Rayak Hospital, where her fractured skull is being treated.
Her mother, Rima, keeps vigil by her bedside, clutching a copy of the Quran and praying for her daughter’s recovery.
Rima describes Noor as bright and sociable, bringing joy to their home. “It feels empty without her laughter,” Rima said.
This bliss was shattered last Monday when an Israeli missile struck their home. Rima recalls comforting Noor just before the attack, reassuring her that everything would be okay as they sought shelter.
“We weren’t brave enough to go inside, fearing the building would collapse. When the bomb got closer, I picked them up, but the missile was faster,” Rima recounted, highlighting the stark reality of their survival.
As they continue their vigil, the sound of planes above suddenly strikes fear once again, with explosions that briefly disrupt power and instill panic.
Noor’s father, Abdallah, arrives filled with anger and sorrow, urging for his child’s story to be told. “She doesn’t understand what is happening. She was simply playing when the bombing started,” he expressed.
Abdallah challenges Israel’s assertions that the strikes target Hezbollah, stating, “We are not involved in any weapons trade. I wish I could protect my children,” as sirens signal more incoming casualties at the hospital.
According to Dr. Basil Abdallah, medical director of Rayak Hospital, over 400 civilians have been treated for injuries sustained during the recent bombardments, with more than 100 fatalities.
Medical staff are facing psychological strains as they witness the trauma inflicted on children and families. “It’s overwhelming; we are human too,” Dr. Abdallah noted, as most staff remain on-site to provide care amid the ongoing violence.
Israeli strikes are being reported across Lebanon with limited resistance from Hezbollah, which has fired back with rockets. Concerns about dwindling medical supplies grow as the conflict appears set to continue.
Dr. Abdallah fears for the long-term implications, stating, “We may be facing a prolonged conflict with serious repercussions for the people.”
