Fear and shock grip Beirut as the aftermath of Israeli attacks using booby-trapped Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies continues to haunt the Lebanese capital. The recent mass Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the death of over 550 people, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon since the civil war.
Citizens and experts are struggling to comprehend the devastation caused by the explosions of telecom devices rigged with explosives, leaving almost 40 dead and over 4,000 injured.
Jad El Dilati, a Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, described the impact as surreal and traumatic. The attacks are seen as psychological warfare tactics aimed at instilling fear and insecurity among the population.
Psychological warfare
Last week’s attacks have raised concerns about violations of international law, leading to calls for an international investigation by human rights groups like Amnesty International.
War crimes
Experts believe the attacks could constitute war crimes, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. Despite the devastation, the lack of condemnation from Western countries highlights the impunity Israel operates with.
As Lebanon faces ongoing airstrikes, the world watches, leaving many Lebanese feeling abandoned and fearing a fate similar to Gaza.
Philippe Pernot, a French-German photojournalist in Beirut, covers social movements and serves as the Lebanon correspondent for Frankfurter Rundschau.