What Does a Pregnant Woman Feel After Leaving Her Husband Behind?
Alaa Ghalayini, a British lady who left Lebanon as conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, has admitted her “guilt and sadness” for leaving her husband and house behind. Arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport on a Middle Eastern Airlines aircraft early Sunday morning, the 28-year-old, almost two months pregnant with her first child, talked of her emotional journey.
Ghalayini muttered, clearly tired as she lugged two big pieces of luggage across the airport, “I’m still in denial.” “I am not able to relax. I can still hear the explosions in my brain.”
What Did She Leave Behind?
Originally from North London, Ghalayini went to Beirut in August last year after marrying her husband, who stays in Lebanon despite the mounting bloodshed. Tearfully describing her story, she said that one of the most challenging decisions she had ever taken was leaving her spouse and the life she had created.
“I feel awful and guilty that I have been able to leave,” she added. “I wanted not to divorce my hubby. With him is my heart.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist organization based in Lebanon, have become more severe since Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Hezbollah has promised to keep fighting until peace in Gaza, therefore sparking further conflicts along the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel has responded by launching many attacks on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, and other regions deemed as Hezbollah strongholds.
How Is Beirut Responding to Israeli Strikes?
The crisis descended to a terrible new degree recently when Israel struck the leadership of Hezbollah in a southern Beirut suburb. Further aggravating the situation on Saturday, an Israeli attack claimed the life of Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, along with twenty top members of the organization.
Ghalayini clarified that Beirut’s situation had grown intolerable for people caught in the crossfire.
“We hid in the bathroom, screaming. Living on the 23rd floor, I was witnessing my city burn. You feel useless.”
Ghalayini also detailed the disorderly situation at Beirut’s airport, crowded with fleeing violence-torn citizens. She said she could get a flight only because her spouse flies Middle East Airlines; otherwise, it would not be feasible.
“People packed the airport to overflowing capacity. Not a single vacant seat; the airplane was filled,” she remarked. “Everyone on the plane felt comfortable just as soon we exited Lebanese territory. There were bombs in areas rather near to the airport.”
How Many UK Nationals Are Still Trapped in Lebanon?
On Saturday, the UK Foreign Office issued an urgent warning encouraging any British people living in Lebanon to leave right now because of the worsening security conditions. Between 4,000 and 6,000 UK nationals and their dependents are said to be still living in the country.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office said, “We encourage you to book the next available flight, even if it is not a direct route.” The office stated on social media site X, previously Twitter, that initiatives were in progress “to increase capacity and secure seats for British nationals to leave.”
Ghalayini worries a lot about being apart from her husband for an unidentified time. Before her child is born, she has no clue when or if she could return to Lebanon.
What Are Other British Nationals Experiencing?
Many other UK citizens fleeing Lebanon’s rising bloodshed reflect Ghalayini’s narrative. Another UK national, Nadine, started crying as she related the worry and anxiety her family has been under.
Nadine remarked, “We couldn’t sleep.” “We couldn’t even find flights for our families and friends, so we were quite concerned about them.”
Living in London, Nadine drove to Heathrow Airport to see her two teenage children, Lea and Yasmina, who had just arrived from Beirut. UK citizens Lea, 17, and Yasmina, 15, lived with their grandparents in Lebanon until the circumstances became too unsafe.
What Does a Traumatic Escape Look Like for Families?
The girls’ choice to flee Lebanon was hurried. The family hurried to get the youngsters out of the nation, leaving behind friends, school, and most of their possessions as the Israeli bombardment grew more intense.
“It was all so unexpected,” Lea added. “Two days later, we were at the airport after receiving our tickets. Not knowing when you will be returning to your native country or what will happen to your family and friends there makes one rather afraid and depressed.”
Both girls can feel the anguish of the encounter; Lea adds, “I don’t want to suffer the restless nights anymore. I may feel better, but be free to forget about the horror here.
Although Nadine was happy her girls were at last safe, she was afraid for her family, who were still living in Beirut. Her sister and her kids are personally seeing their city destroyed.
Nadine remarked, “They’re seeing the bombs from their balconies and streets.” “The children are traumatized.”
Will the Family Find a Safe Passage?
Plans call for the girls’ grandparents to leave Beirut on Monday for safety. Hence, the family hopes they will also be able to depart soon.
Many UK residents are struggling with the uncertainty of when they will see their loved ones again as the war between Israel and Hezbollah keeps intensifying. For Ghalayini and Nadine, the horror of their experiences and the agony of leaving relatives behind temper the immediate satisfaction of escaping the war.
” Nobody should have to go through what we have gone through,” Ghalayini remarked. “Growing up in London, I have never known anything like this. Unbearable.
The UK government advises its citizens to register their presence in Lebanon and keep updated on the most recent events. Every day that passes causes additional concern for those still waiting to depart as they witness the violence play out.
