Chris Knayzeh witnessed the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion from a town overlooking the capital. Following the recent explosions of handheld pagers across Lebanon, with 12 casualties and thousands injured, Knayzeh, like many other Lebanese, felt compelled to leave the country due to a sense of insecurity and fear of further incidents.
The explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies that took place over two days resulted in at least 37 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries, renewing trauma for many who still carry emotional scars from the port blast four years ago.
Amid a backdrop of a historic economic collapse and political turmoil, Lebanon’s state of affairs continues to deteriorate. The country remains without a president or a functioning government for over two years, exacerbating the hardships faced by its citizens.
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have escalated, with both sides engaging in hostilities that have put the region on edge. The recent wave of explosions has further heightened fears of a potential all-out war, which could have devastating consequences for Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system.
Despite the challenges and dangers, many Lebanese expatriates continue to visit their homeland, providing vital support to the economy through remittances and holiday spending. However, the recent incidents have caused concern among visitors, leading some to shorten their stays and return to their host countries.
The explosions of pagers and the ensuing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty have deeply impacted the Lebanese populace. Parents are keeping their children away from schools, and organizations are advising precautions such as switching off devices and removing batteries as a safety measure.
In response to the security breach caused by the pager explosions, Lebanon’s civil aviation authorities have banned the transport of such devices on outgoing flights from Beirut’s airport until further notice. The situation has left many Lebanese feeling anxious and on edge, with some expressing defiance in the face of adversity and threats from Israel.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed retaliation against Israel for the attacks on devices, while the tension between the two sides continues to escalate. The prospect of further conflict looms over Lebanon, adding to the collective trauma and uncertainty that has gripped the nation.
