Fri Oct 11 15:13:52 UTC 2024: ## Lebanese Fishermen Stay Ashore Amid Israeli Warning
**Sidon, Lebanon** – Fishermen in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon remained grounded on Tuesday, following a warning from the Israeli military that it would target militants along the coast. The Israeli army, in a statement issued on Monday night, cautioned residents to stay away from the coastline south of the Al-Awali river, north of Sidon, indicating an expansion of their operations against Hezbollah.
The usually bustling fish market in Sidon was eerily quiet as fishermen adhered to the Lebanese army’s directive to stay ashore. “The Lebanese army told us we weren’t allowed to go out, and we are respecting that,” said Mohammed Bidawi, a member of the fisherman’s syndicate. “If it continues like this, the market will close too.”
Fishermen expressed deep concern for their livelihoods. “Fishing was the way we supported our children. If we don’t go out to sea, we won’t be able to feed ourselves,” said Issam Haboush, another fisherman. Bidawi estimated that the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has pushed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 people into financial hardship. “The fishermen and traders at the fish market are going to need help,” he said.
The recent escalation began on September 23 with intensified Israeli airstrikes, leading to over 1,100 deaths and displacement of over a million people, according to official figures. The situation has created a tense atmosphere across Lebanon, with fishermen bearing the brunt of the economic impact.
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