In his inaugural speech, Hezbollah's new leader Naim Qassem declared his group is ready for "a long war" with Israel, emphasizing that the conflict could extend for weeks or even months without immediate resolution. This statement came during a time of escalating conflict in Baalbek, where tens of thousands were forced to flee after Israel broadened its air campaign, marking a significant intensification of hostilities.
The Israeli military's unprecedented citywide evacuation notice for Baalbek reflected the severity of the situation, compelling approximately 80,000 residents to abandon their homes amid fears of intensified airstrikes. Residents filled roads, many leaving on foot, carrying only belongings as the chaos unfolded in the city of Baalbek, which has been identified as a strategic target in the ongoing conflict.
Baalbek's regional governor Bachir Khodr expressed deep concern over the sudden evacuation order from Israel, labeling the situation as "a black and dark day" for the residents. His remarks highlighted the unpreparedness of the local population, with many fleeing unexpectedly and hospitals struggling to evacuate critical patients amid this urgent crisis.
With Baalbek's hospitals already strained, Ali Allam, the director of Dar Al Amal hospital, voiced alarm over the impracticality of relocating critically ill patients. He emphasized the logistical challenges posed by the evacuation order, noting that the nearest facility was still within the designated evacuation zone, raising significant concerns about patient safety as tensions heightened in the region.
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