Israeli border city becomes 'ghost town' amid clashes with Lebanon's Hezbollah
The northern Israeli city of Qiryat Shemona, located 3 kilometres from the border with Lebanon has become a ghost town over the past few days as residents flee amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah. FRANCE 24 reports from Qiryat Shemona.
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Restaurant owner Johnny Tunvia is among the few that stayed.
"I've decided to stay open because lots of soldiers come to eat, otherwise there wouldn't be anywhere for them," Tunvia said.
An Israeli military base, which has seen a recent influx of reservists, is situated near Qiryat Shemona.
Meanwhile the town's mayor, Avichai Stern, has also remained behind.
“Normally, we’re a city of 24,000 people, [but] not anymore because of the city’s history, which for 36 years now has endured constant missile attacks and terrorists infiltrating,” Stern said.
“When tensions rise in the north, those who can take their families and belongings and leave for a safer place," said Stern. “Here, we only have 10 seconds to hide once we hear the siren,” he added.
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