Survivors Share Heartbreaking Accounts of the Wati Al-Khayam Massacre
The Wati Al-Khayam massacre, which occurred on October 28, 2023, has left deep scars on the community of Al-Bekaa, Lebanon. Survivors recount the tragic events that unfolded when Israeli airstrikes targeted homes in the area, resulting in the deaths of 21 civilians, predominantly elderly, women, and children. Kamla Ali Al-Muhammad, a 25-year-old survivor, expressed her grief, stating, "They killed my family, my brothers, and my relatives. Oh, how I feel sorry for them." The survivors were unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones for 11 days due to the presence of Israeli snipers, which compounded their suffering.
The Pain of Loss and the Struggle for Recovery
Kamla described the last moments she spent with her family before they ventured back to Wati Al-Khayam to check on their homes. Her father’s reassuring words, "Don’t be afraid, my daughter. We will check on our homes and return," haunt her as they were the last she heard from him. The emotional toll of the massacre is profound, with survivors grappling with the haunting memories of their loved ones trapped under the rubble. Hisham Al-Muhammad, another survivor, lamented the loss of his entire family, stating, "They were killed twice," referring to the physical loss and the emotional trauma of not being able to honor their memories properly.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The Wati Al-Khayam massacre is part of a broader context of violence in Lebanon, with the Israeli military conducting operations that have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Since the onset of hostilities on October 8, 2023, over 3,136 individuals have been killed, and approximately 14,000 have been injured, with many more displaced. The community's resilience is evident as survivors express their determination to return and rebuild despite the overwhelming destruction. Hisham emphasized, "We will not be broken. We will restore Al-Wata Al-Khayam to its former glory." The international community continues to call for humanitarian assistance and a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing conflict.
