Lebanon is celebrating the holiday season with festive spirit and unity, weeks after a ceasefire ended a 14-month conflict, bringing hope and comfort to a nation in recovery.
Lebanon is beginning to recover from a devastating 14-month conflict that ended with a ceasefire on November 27, 2024. While the country faces significant challenges, the holiday season has provided a moment of unity and hope. The conflict, primarily between Hezbollah and Israel, claimed the lives of 3,961 people, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The economic cost of the war is also steep, with damages and losses estimated at US$8.5 billion, according to a World Bank report.
Despite the hardships, the festive spirit is alive in Lebanon. Cities like Byblos have come alive with Christmas lights, music, and decorations, offering a much-needed respite from the turmoil. Cherine Al-Tom, a Lebanese citizen, captured the essence of the nation's resilience, saying, "If they fall a hundred times, they will stand back up and keep moving." Walking through the lively streets, Al-Tom emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive, adding, "We are in Christmas mood – this is very beautiful and we must follow through with our children and let them experience Christmas."
The Christmas markets have become a symbol of hope and unity, drawing people from all factions to celebrate together. Cynthia Khalife, founder of the 'Hype and Happenings' organization, which is hosting the Byblos Christmas market, remarked, "As you can see, people from all factions have gathered here. We are all one people united in joy and peace. We hope that this year will be a year of hope for everyone."
The toll of the conflict on Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy is undeniable, but the spirit of the Lebanese people remains strong. The 2024 Christmas season marks not only a time for celebration but also a symbol of the nation's resilience and determination to rebuild and move forward.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States a...
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused World Cup co-host the United States of treating his team "very unfairly", saying logistical restrictions ha...
At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Paki...
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade....
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Ano...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 27 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Protesters gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at ending fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
Israel and Lebanon are discussing a U.S.-backed proposal that would see Israeli forces withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon and transfer control of those areas to the Lebanese army, according to officials from both sides.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday, authorities said.
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Australia said it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a groundbreaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment