Israel-Hezbollah: 'Lebanon is starting to resemble Gaza. It's a full-fledged war against civilians' - dia-LOGOS

Bongani Bingwa interviews Mike Burnards, Analytical Strategist and Stefan van der Berg, Ministry Leader at dia-LOGOS.

Listen below.

Israel has intensified its bombing of southern Beirut in recent days, marking one of the most aggressive phases of its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah.

According to Lebanon's health ministry, the conflict has claimed over 1400 lives and has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, as reported by CNN.

South Africans who have travelled to Lebanon for assistance or visits now face a challenging dilemma: whether to stay and offer help or seek a way back to safety.

RELATED: Intense Israeli bombing rocks Beirut ahead of war anniversary

Similarly to Burnards, Berg who has travelled extensively throughout the Middle East, expresses a deep connection to Lebanon, drawn by its 'hospitable, friendly, and welcoming' people, whom he describes as some of the most gracious he has encountered on his journeys.

"It's heartbreaking to see the innocent people suffering like they do at the moment."

- Stefan van der Berg, Ministry Leader – dia-LOGOS

"For us, Lebanon has become a second home and what's happening there is absolutely devastating."

- Mike Burnards, Analytical Strategist – dia-LOGOS

Berg reflects on his recent experiences, describing a sense that all of Lebanon is under attack, with conditions increasingly reminiscent of Gaza.

He expresses deep concern about the alarming reality of a 'full-fledged war against civilians, which affects women and children indiscriminately'.

He emphasises that the true impact of this trauma on the children will only become evident in the years to come, predicting that the effects will linger for at least the next five years.

RELATED: 'This war will traumatise Gazan children forever' - psychologist (Stellenbosch University)

"What we've seen in this past week are explosions and attacks in the Christian quarters, where there is no Hezbollah presence at all, so this is extremely worrying."

- Stefan van der Berg, Ministry Leader – dia-LOGOS

Burnards believes we are currently experiencing the onset of the Third World War.

"I think it has already become unstoppable."

- Mike Burnards, Analytical Strategist – dia-LOGOS

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.