Baalbek collapses into ruins: Shiites united against Israel!

Baalbek collapses into ruins: Shiites united against Israel!

The situation in Baalbek, a town in Lebanon, remains tense as Israeli attacks continue to weigh heavily on the region. In March 2025, Baalbek already experienced a brutal attack, and in August of the same year, riots were recorded in which several people were injured and killed by Israeli drones in the Bekaa Valley. Local reports show that at least 60 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley on Tuesday alone, marking the worst attacks since the war began in September 2024. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, a total of 19 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Baalbek since the start of the conflict.

The journey to Baalbek takes place through impressive mountain landscapes where various political flags are visible. The dominant flags are of Hezbollah and the Amal Shiite movement. The city has about 85,000 inhabitants, of whom 60% are Shiites, 25% Sunnis and 15% Christians (including Maronites and Orthodox). The site, known for its Roman temple complexes, is also home to important memorials such as the Sayyida Khawla Shrine, dedicated to the daughter of Imam Hussein. Inside is a Hezbollah museum documenting the group's military history and supply routes.

Unified voice of the Shiites

Despite the many challenges of the war, there is a united voice among the Shiites in Baalbek. Residents speak overwhelmingly positively about Hezbollah and Amal, while parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has been in office since 1992, is seen as an important representative of the Shiites. There is little criticism of the leading political organizations, even given the devastation many have suffered as a result of the attacks. A shisha bar owner described the destruction of his bar and the closure of part of his bar as a result of the attacks.

Meanwhile, the US is seeking mediation between Israel and Hezbollah to end the ongoing conflict. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has traveled to Israel to conduct negotiations and will join Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk in talks aimed at identifying a deal to end the fighting. Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hopes for an early ceasefire and set conditions including the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south.

As Israel continues its bombardment in eastern Lebanon, including Baalbek, Israel is experiencing high casualties and destruction in the region. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that 80% of Hezbollah's arsenal has already been destroyed. Still, the atmosphere remains tense, and Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem said his group was open to talks provided conditions were acceptable. This means that Baalbek remains a central location for both cultural and military conflicts in Lebanon.

News overviews from the region illustrate the dramatic impact of the conflict on daily life and political structures in Lebanon. The situation remains uncertain as long as peace is not achieved between the parties to the conflict.

young world and daily news report on the developments.