**Resilience Amidst Chaos: Baalbek's Last Gas Station Serves as a Lifeline** **Baalbek, Lebanon** – In the midst of ongoing Israeli airstrikes, a solitary gas station in eastern Lebanon has transformed into a vital hub for the community. By 9 a.m. each day, cars queue up at Ali Jawad’s gas station, the last operational fuel source on the outskirts of Baalbek, a city renowned for its ancient Roman ruins. As the war intensifies, Mr. Jawad, age 56, diligently serves his neighbors—doctors, rescue workers, and the remaining residents—who rely on his fuel not just for their vehicles, but as a lifeline for essential services. The gas station has become a makeshift town square, where people gather to share news of destruction, injuries, and loss. Mr. Jawad’s phone rings incessantly with inquiries from those who have fled, anxious about the safety of their homes and loved ones back in Baalbek. “I’m never leaving,” he insists. “It’s my duty to stay, to help people here.” His commitment comes at a personal cost; an Israeli airstrike last month shattered his station’s windows and injured his son, forcing parts of his family to evacuate while he chose to stay behind. The gas station’s significance has grown as the conflict escalates. With over 1.2 million people displaced across Lebanon, those who remain depend on Mr. Jawad’s fuel to power ambulances, generators, and excavation equipment for rescue workers. Amidst dire fuel shortages and the struggle for basic services, the station stands as a symbol of resilience. Residents like Khalid Zayim, a civil defense worker, express the gravity of the situation. “It’s a disaster,” he says, noting the severe shortage of supplies and the challenges faced by rescue teams. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, local networks of support have taken on even greater importance, particularly as Hezbollah—a key player in the region—has shifted its focus away from community assistance to the war effort. Despite the danger, Mr. Jawad remains steadfast. He scoffs at those who have fled, viewing his presence as a necessary stand against adversity. His wife, Gada Tasnoob Talib, initially urged him to leave but ultimately chose to remain with him, sharing the uncertainty and fear of the situation. As Baalbek’s residents grapple with the dire circumstances, the community’s survival hinges on individuals like Mr. Jawad, who embody the spirit of endurance. “Baalbek will never die,” he declares, even as he acknowledges the heavy toll on civilians. The question remains, however: how long can this fragile lifeline sustain the community in the face of relentless conflict?