A Middle East Airlines plane takes off from Beirut airport on Oct. 6, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
For about ten days, a word that has not been heard since 2006 has been circulating in the local media: A total blockade is being prepared. Some Lebanese are convinced of this. The Israelis' hardline approach and the "gazafication" logic underway on the northern front could cut the country off from the world. A theory relayed at the highest levels of the state, since the caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, said on Oct. 4 "that it was clear that we were heading towards an air and land blockade" – specifying however a few days later to AFP that he had international "assurances," but "no guarantee" that Beirut airport would be spared.Fears of a total shutdown have prompted some to flee before it is too late, while the slogan “fill up your cars” is circulating in anticipation of possible fuel shortages. The Israeli...
For about ten days, a word that has not been heard since 2006 has been circulating in the local media: A total blockade is being prepared. Some Lebanese are convinced of this. The Israelis' hardline approach and the "gazafication" logic underway on the northern front could cut the country off from the world. A theory relayed at the highest levels of the state, since the caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, said on Oct. 4 "that it was clear that we were heading towards an air and land blockade" – specifying however a few days later to AFP that he had international "assurances," but "no guarantee" that Beirut airport would be spared.Fears of a total shutdown have prompted some to flee before it is too late, while the slogan “fill up your cars” is circulating in anticipation of possible fuel shortages. The...
