(31 Dec 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beirut, Lebanon – 31 December 2024
1. Various of people fishing at Beirut’s corniche, or seaside promenade
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammed Mohammed, displaced from southern Lebanon:
"We hope to God that next year will be better. The year 2024 was very harsh on us because of our conditions in Lebanon, and with the war that happened, the past tragedies since 2018, followed by COVID-19 and other things. We hope that 2025 is much better than the years that have passed because we are exhausted. It is about time for us to live in calm, peace, and love. That is how Lebanon should be."
3. Various of people fishing
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Joelle Mousallem, teacher:
“We will continue to be optimistic that it will be a better one (year). But so far, there is nothing to indicate – be it on the economic or political conditions – there is nothing to indicate that there will be good to come. But we hope for a miracle from God and that it will be a good one (year), God willing."
5. People jogging along promenade
6. Various people by the sea
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ghada Jaber, Lebanese citizen:
"My hopes are for peace of course, for peace to spread. Peace and love, of course. But that seems to be distant. It seems that there are more things awaiting us. Everyone wishes for peace in their homes and in their country, and even across the world – not just in one’s country. The tragedies that we have been through are not easy. They are very tough."
8. Cars driving past seaside promenade
9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ghada Jaber, Lebanese citizen:
"Nobody knows if the war will end because everything is planned with an agenda… Honestly, nobody knows. In the depth of my heart, of course, I wish for that (for it to end). But from what we’re seeing, it is frightening."
10. Boat sailing along
STORYLINE:
Lebanese people shared cautious hopes for next year, reflecting on a country still reeling from war and ongoing crises.
On Beirut’s promenade along the Mediterranean, Mohammed Mohammed reflected on some of the difficult times Lebanon has experienced.
"We hope to God that next year will be better. The year 2024 was very harsh on us," Mohammed said.
Mohammed is originally from Marwahin in southern Lebanon and was among the tens of thousands of people who were displaced during the recent 14-month war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Now living in Jadra, a town that was also bombarded during the conflict, he awaits the end of a 60-day period, after which the Israeli army is required to withdraw under the conditions of a U.S. and French -brokered ceasefire.
This would allow displaced residents to return under the protection of the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers.
Mohammed’s house and village were completely destroyed, he said.
The conflict has killed more than 3,800 people in Lebanon, many of them civilians. More than 80 Israeli soldiers have been killed, and 47 civilians in Israel.
A ceasefire took effect in November effect between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah after nearly 14 months of cross-border fire.
Lebanon has been battered by years of economic collapse, political instability and a series of calamities since 2019.
“It’s about time we live in peace, calm and love,” Mohammed added.
Joelle Moussallem, a teacher from Metn, expressed her concerns about the future.
"There is nothing to indicate that there will be good to come. But we hope for a miracle from God," she said.
She is planning to spend New Year’s Eve at home with her family, she said.
AP video by Lujain Jo
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