Haifa, a bustling city in northern Israel, is currently experiencing a period of tension and fear as the threat of a wider conflict with Hezbollah looms. The streets are quiet, with sandy beaches empty and many businesses closing early. The only places seeing increased activity are public bomb shelters.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group supported by Iran, has Israel’s third-largest city in its sights as tensions rise following recent escalations in fighting. Residents of Haifa, with a population of nearly 300,000, are on edge, anticipating a potential outbreak of violence not seen since the war of 2006.
David Maman, a local resident, described the situation as grim, with air raid sirens constantly blaring. The recent exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated significantly, bringing the region to the brink of a full-blown conflict.
Recent reports from Lebanon indicated that Israeli strikes have resulted in dozens of casualties, pushing the total death toll to over 600 people, with thousands more wounded. Fleeing families have sought refuge in cities like Beirut and Sidon, while others have crossed into neighboring Syria.
Haifa endured a barrage of rockets during the 2006 war, causing damage to homes and infrastructure. Despite having a robust air defense system now in place, the threat of rocket attacks remains, with recent incidents causing damage in the city.
In preparation for potential conflict escalation, Haifa has opened 110 public shelters to accommodate residents without access to private bomb shelters. The city has also taken measures such as moving hospital patients to reinforced underground wards and facilitating remote learning for tens of thousands of students.
The economic impact of a wider war is a growing concern for residents, particularly for the city’s sizable Arab population. Amal Oraby, a local activist, highlighted the dilemma faced by businesses in deciding whether to stay open amidst the uncertainty.
As residents gather in public shelters and brace for the next siren, the atmosphere is tense, with families seeking refuge alongside their few belongings. Orly Betesh, one of the residents seeking safety in a shelter, expressed the desperation felt by many as they navigate the ongoing threat of violence.
Haifa remains on high alert as the possibility of further escalation lingers, with both residents and authorities taking precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s population.