Il genovese a Beirut: "Qui si capisce che la guerra è la follia dell'umanità"

Summary

Luca Pellerano, a Genovese official with the International Labour Organization (ILO) based in Beirut, provides a firsthand account of the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. He discusses the devastating impact of recent Israeli airstrikes, the growing fear of a large-scale war, and the deepening socio-political and economic instability in the country. Pellerano highlights the challenges faced by Lebanon, including mass displacement, a collapsing economy, and the presence of Syrian refugees. Despite the dire circumstances, he remains committed to providing humanitarian support and advocates for international diplomatic efforts to protect civilians and foster peace.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luca Pellerano is a Genoese UN worker based in Beirut, where he oversees social insurance and workers' rights in the Middle East.
• 😀 He has lived in Beirut for five years, but his family recently returned to Italy due to the escalating conflict.
• 😀 The situation in Beirut is tense but relatively calm at the moment, with fears of a larger scale war between Israel and Hezbollah.
• 😀 Last week's Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s logistical infrastructure and killed over 500 civilians in just two days, intensifying the crisis.
• 😀 The Lebanese population is experiencing massive displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing to Beirut and northern Lebanon, seeking safety.
• 😀 Lebanon, already struggling with an economic collapse, faces additional pressures from the conflict, including a large refugee population from Syria.
• 😀 Over half a million people have already been displaced within Lebanon, adding to the more than one million Syrian refugees already living in the country.
• 😀 The humanitarian situation is dire, with many people losing jobs, savings, and access to healthcare, further exacerbating the crisis.
• 😀 Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israeli forces are intensifying their military operations in Lebanon, which has sparked fear of a failed state scenario.
• 😀 Pellerano highlights the importance of diplomatic pressure on Israel and other international actors to find a peaceful resolution and protect civilians.
• 😀 He urges the international community to act decisively to end the violence and support peace efforts, emphasizing the need to prioritize civilian protection.

Q & A

Who is Luca Pellerano, and what is his background?

Luca Pellerano is a Genovese professional working for the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Beirut, Lebanon. He has a background in economics, having studied at the University of London. Since 2004, he has worked on development issues in the Middle East, focusing on labor rights and social security, especially in the context of developing countries.

Why did Luca Pellerano's family leave Beirut?

Luca Pellerano's family left Beirut due to the escalating violence from the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The situation became too dangerous for his wife and three children, prompting their return to Italy, while Pellerano remained in Beirut to continue his work.

What is the current situation in Beirut as described by Pellerano?

The situation in Beirut is relatively calm, but there is significant tension in the air. Recent Israeli airstrikes and bombings in Lebanon have created fear and insecurity, particularly with the high number of casualties and the displacement of civilians. Despite this, Beirut is considered one of the safer areas in Lebanon.

What were the consequences of the recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon?

The recent Israeli attacks caused significant civilian casualties, with nearly 600 people killed in just two days. These bombings primarily affected the southern regions and the Beqaa Valley, regions already vulnerable due to the presence of Hezbollah. The attacks also led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge in safer areas.

How has the conflict impacted the population of Lebanon?

The conflict has deeply affected the population of Lebanon, particularly those in the southern regions. Many civilians have been killed or injured, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Additionally, the country’s fragile socio-political structure and economic collapse have exacerbated the crisis. The country already hosts a large number of Syrian refugees, which further strains its resources.

What challenges is Lebanon facing beyond the ongoing conflict?

In addition to the ongoing conflict, Lebanon is facing severe economic and political instability. The country has experienced a financial collapse, with a devaluation of its currency by more than 600%. There has also been a political stalemate, with no president elected since October 2022, leaving the government with limited capacity to function effectively.

How many Syrian refugees are living in Lebanon, and what impact does this have on the country?

Lebanon hosts between 1 million and 1.5 million Syrian refugees. This influx has strained the country’s already fragile infrastructure, public services, and social cohesion. The refugee crisis has contributed to Lebanon's economic collapse and worsened tensions between different religious and ethnic groups in the country.

What is the current role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Lebanon?

The ILO, through Luca Pellerano’s office in Beirut, continues to work on issues related to social security, labor rights, and worker protection in Lebanon. The organization is focusing on supporting local institutions and providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, including displaced people and vulnerable workers.

What is Pellerano’s perspective on the international community's role in the conflict?

Pellerano believes that the international community, including the United States, France, Iran, and others, must play a critical role in mediating the conflict and pushing for a diplomatic solution. He expresses frustration over the ongoing violence and urges greater international pressure to protect civilians and find a peaceful resolution.

What message does Luca Pellerano convey in his final remarks?

In his final remarks, Pellerano stresses the importance of rejecting war and violence in all forms. He calls for greater solidarity and a united effort to protect civilians, emphasizing that the situation in Lebanon could have disastrous long-term effects if not addressed. He appeals for a peace process that would allow Lebanon to rebuild and ensure its survival as a stable society.