The ongoing war in the Middle East is not the first time the Lebanese have been caught in the crossfire between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel. But after almost 18 years of truce, few expected it to turn out like this.
– We are a generation of war, says the mother of four, Kristina Ayoub, who lives in the Christian part of Dahiyeh in southern Beirut, a stone’s throw from the constant attacks.
Lebanon is a multifaceted country where areas and villages can be divided based on different religious groups. The largest groups are Christian Maronites, Sunni and Shia Muslims. The view of Shiite Hezbollah, which was founded in 1982 and whose military branch is labeled a terrorist by the EU, can differ between the different religious groups.
One thing, however, many can agree on: The war, which is said to be fought between the organization and Israel, is about more than just Hezbollah.
– If you attack civilians, Christians and churches, you are not attacking Hezbollah, says Jamal Khalil.
See more about how the Lebanese view the war, Hezbollah and Israel in the video above.