While a renewed ceasefire has quieted the front lines between Israel and Lebanon, the economic scars from the conflict continue to deepen. Away from the fighting, residents of Lebanon are grappling with a crisis that even peace cannot immediately heal.
The 2024 war left Lebanon's economy in tatters, and recent clashes have further exacerbated the situation. Families have been displaced, prices have soared, and confidence in the country's recovery has been shaken. In the bustling Hamra district of Beirut, the story of struggle is palpable.
Behind the counter of his sandwich shop, displaced owner Mohammad Maatouk works tirelessly to keep his business afloat. He fled his home in Dahieh due to the fighting, only to face rising costs in the city. "Before the war, things were cheaper than they are now," Mohammad says. "The situation has become much harder. Everything has gone up: oil, gas, vegetables, pickles, plastic."
For Mohammad and many others, displacement is not just about leaving home—it's about surviving in an environment where every basic expense has climbed. Deliveries are harder, roads feel less safe, and ingredients are more expensive. Raising prices too much risks driving away customers who are struggling just as much. "We are still trying to feel with people, to feel their pain," he adds. "Because we are part of the people."
This personal account underscores a broader reality: the ceasefire, while a welcome respite from violence, cannot reverse the extensive economic damage inflicted by the war. Lebanon, already trapped in a prolonged economic crisis, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding amidst inflation and shattered livelihoods.
For global readers and investors monitoring Asia's neighboring regions, Lebanon's plight highlights how geopolitical tensions can have lasting economic repercussions. Academics and diaspora communities may find this story a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the challenges of post-war recovery.
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Israel-Lebanon ceasefire cannot reverse economic damage caused by war
cgtn.com
