The Damage Done

“I got my family out on the first day of the strikes, but I stayed. I thought it was wrong to leave because if we all left, it would be like surrendering to Israel.” –AHMAD HAMMOUD, 40, taxi driver and Dahiya resident

“We hear them pleading on the phone, and we can’t help but cry. Terrified civilians in outlying villages constantly call. There is nothing we can do.” –SAMI YAZBEK, chief of the Lebanese Red Cross in Tyre

“This is the Israeli army. We are about to increase our military operations in south Lebanon, and you are advised to leave immediately to north of the Litani.” –ANONYMOUS Recorded phone message received by Lebanese community leaders