Dubai/Abu Dhabi: With memories of war still fresh, Lebanese in the UAE expressed shock, anger and disappointment following the Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
"I just can't believe what is happening. Since we were born, all we have heard about is fighting, but all we want is one independent Lebanon in peace," said 26-year-old Fadi Demian.
"I mainly blame Hezbollah, they want to control the country. We were expecting two million tourists this summer, now we can kiss those dreams goodbye," said Demian.
A Lebanese national who only wished to be identified as Omar said: "The Israeli bombings must stop. I don't understand why the international society is not doing anything."
Rita Dahdah, 30, said: "People from south Lebanon who lost their family and have captives in Israel will consider the kidnappings as a victory."
Riad Dali, a Lebanese resident, strongly believes that Hezbollah did the right thing.
"There are people who have been in Israeli prisons for over 30 years, and this is the only way to get them back. We have given martyrs before and we are willing to give more till the prisoners are freed."
The closure of Beirut International Airport has led to widespread travel disruption.
"I was supposed to travel today," said Rawad Haider, 22, another resident.
"Just when we were beginning to breathe again, something like this happens."
Hoping to travel tomorrow to visit her ailing aunt, Nadia Wehbe, a resident, said she was appalled by Israel's actions.
"This is an extremely scary situation. The Lebanese are just trying to get on with their lives, trying to build a democracy, but Israel still thinks they have the right to bomb a civilian airport and kill innocent people."
Samah from Beirut was hoping to make a surprise visit to her family next week. "My husband and I were supposed to be travelling. Now it looks like we won't be able to."
Hani, 35, from Beirut was planning to travel in two weeks but has cancelled his plans.
"I'm really scared now. I hold Hezbollah entirely responsible. Kidnapping soldiers is not going to fix anything. There are Lebanese prisoners in Syrian jails. Should we kidnap Syrian soldiers too?"
