Lebanese begin arriving in Turkey following Israeli attacks: 'I hope we return soon'

Some of the hundreds of Lebanese citizens who arrived in Istanbul on Monday, fleeing Israeli airstrikes, said they were shaken by what they had experienced but hoped to return home soon.

According to the Lebanese government, Israel has been striking targets in the capital Beirut and various parts of the country for two weeks, killing at least a thousand people as well as numerous Hezbollah commanders.

According to a report by Reuters, some of the Lebanese fleeing the war have begun arriving in Turkey.

It was announced that all Middle East Airlines flights from Beirut to Istanbul today are fully booked.

"I HOPE TO RETURN WITHIN A FEW DAYS"

Aref Arhad, from Beirut, arrived in Istanbul today via Middle East Airlines and described his experience as follows:

"The situation in Lebanon is very bad. Violence is increasing dramatically, and there are many bombing incidents in Beirut. We hear the sound of military aircraft in the sky all night long."

The 33-year-old Arhad said he hopes to return to Beirut within a few days if the situation improves.

"I HOPE WE RETURN SOON"

Lina Diab, a Lebanese journalist who arrived in Istanbul, said that the area where she lived was still safe but that she decided to leave as a precaution.

Diab said, "We don't want to live with stress, so I prefer to come to Istanbul, stay for a while, and watch what happens. I hope we return to Lebanon soon."

Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines had previously canceled their flights to Beirut for the coming days.

News Source: 12punto