Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, is currently facing heightened tensions as the threat of a wider war with Hezbollah looms. The city's sandy beaches are deserted, businesses are closing early, and many restaurants have shut down. The only places witnessing increased activity are public bomb shelters, as residents brace themselves for potential violence.
Haifa, with a population of nearly 300,000, serves as the cultural and economic hub of northern Israel. The recent escalation in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has put the city at risk, with fears mounting that this could be the most severe conflict since the war almost two decades ago.
Israel and Hezbollah are engaged in intense clashes, with the situation escalating rapidly since the recent attacks by Hamas. The ongoing violence has raised concerns about the possibility of an all-out war between the two sides.
Lebanese officials reported that Israeli strikes have resulted in dozens of casualties, bringing the total death toll to over 600 in the past three days, with more than 2,000 people injured. Many families have fled to Beirut and Sidon, while thousands have sought refuge in neighboring Syria.
Haifa, which endured a barrage of rockets during the 2006 war, is now equipped with a robust air-defense system to intercept incoming threats. Despite these measures, the city remains vulnerable, as evidenced by recent rocket strikes causing damage to homes and vehicles.
To protect its residents, Haifa has opened 110 public shelters for those without access to private bomb shelters, particularly in older buildings. These shelters are well-equipped with essential amenities and the city is prepared to utilize underground parking lots if needed.
Additional precautions include remote learning for 60,000 students and the relocation of patients to a fortified underground ward in the main hospital. The city's diverse population, including a significant Palestinian community, faces economic uncertainties due to the ongoing conflict.
As residents gather in public shelters, anxiously awaiting the next siren, the impact of the conflict is palpable. Families huddle together, surrounded by their meager belongings, seeking refuge from the relentless shelling that has engulfed the city.
