When Roy Asmar (name changed for privacy) heard about the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. For months, he and his fiancée had put their wedding plans on hold due to the war. Now, they’ve spent Dh11,000 on tickets to return home and finally tie the knot.
“It felt like my prayers were answered,” Roy said. “I checked for tickets immediately, but the prices were shocking. During peak season, I usually pay Dh2,000 for a round trip. This time, it cost Dh5,500 per person for a round-trip ticket.”
Despite the steep costs, Roy is thrilled. “We’ve always dreamt of a winter wedding surrounded by our loved ones,” he shared. “We planned to marry this December, but the war made it impossible. We even considered bringing our parents here, but traveling to the airport itself was risky. Now, we can finally have the wedding we’ve always wanted.”
Roy and his fiancée hope to celebrate their wedding in their hometown church and spend Christmas with their families. “It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “For months, it felt hopeless, but I always believed there would be a ceasefire around Christmas. Thankfully, I was right.”
The couple has chosen to keep their plans private, sharing the news only with family for now. “We’ll celebrate with friends later,” Roy added.
On Wednesday, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire after 14 months of conflict. The deal, brokered by the U.S. and France, has brought relief to Lebanese citizens returning to rebuild their lives.
Relief Mixed with Worry
For Dubai resident Ayoub Merhi, the ceasefire brought mixed emotions. “I’ve been glued to social media, looking for updates,” he said. His parents, displaced by the war, have been struggling to cope.
“My father has health issues and needs regular hospital visits,” Ayoub explained. “The constant bombings forced them to travel long distances, which was taking a toll on their health. The ceasefire is a relief, but I can’t help worrying about whether the fighting will start again.”
The war has already taken a personal toll on Ayoub, who lost several friends to the bombings. “They were innocent civilians,” he said. “Ever since, I’ve been terrified for my parents’ safety.”
Although work commitments prevent him from traveling immediately, Ayoub plans to visit his family in January. “I can’t wait to check on them and make sure they’re okay,” he said.
The Lebanon-Israel ceasefire has brought hope to many, but the scars of the conflict remain fresh. For families like Roy’s and Ayoub’s, the road to healing and rebuilding is just beginning.
