In the volatile Middle East region, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have once again escalated, leading to threats and potential preparations for war. The situation has raised concerns not only for the people of Israel and Lebanon but also for neighboring countries such as Cyprus.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has threatened Cyprus if it allows Israel to use its airports or bases in the event of a full-scale conflict. The Cypriot government, however, maintains that it is not involved in any war and remains neutral.
The European Union (EU) considers any threat against Cyprus as a threat against the whole of the EU. Hezbollah's military strength is believed to exceed that of the Lebanese army, and its political wing has ministers in the Lebanese Cabinet.
Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire along their border since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel. The Israeli military responded with an offensive in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of over 37,000 people. The fighting on the Israel-Lebanon border has intensified in recent weeks.
Hospitals in northern Israeli cities are preparing for a potential influx of casualties if war breaks out between Israel and Hezbollah. Doctors and medical staff at these hospitals have been training for worst-case scenarios involving up to 200 casualties occurring every few hours. Hezbollah has acquired a large number of missiles and has been releasing drone footage threatening key sites in Israeli cities, including Haifa.
In the northern Israeli city of Nahariya, Galilee medical centre is preparing for the worst. The hospital is about 7km from the border with Lebanon and already under threat from Hezbollah's missiles and explosive drones. Doctors have established a warren of busy wards and surgical units beneath exposed pipe work on bare concrete floors, with little in the way of comfort or privacy. A suite equipped with monitors and screens will act as the nerve centre in the event of an escalating war.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has warned that there will be no place safe from their missiles and drones if all-out war breaks out. The situation is politically toxic for the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, with public opinion turning against him as more people are displaced from their homes.
In Haifa, business owners such as Andre Suidan are feeling the tension. Suidan has been in the wine business for 30 years and some of his longtime customers are choosing to leave Israel with their families. Ignoring the conflict, Hollywood films continue to be produced in Israel, while people cope with the stress of war.
The situation remains uncertain as diplomats try to lower temperatures and prevent a full-fledged war between Hezbollah and Israel.
