Israel’s bombardment of Hezbollah’s south Beirut stronghold has forced tens of thousands to flee to the capital, but many in divided Lebanon view the newcomers with suspicion, worried they might also become targets, AFP reports.

“Our neighbours found out we were housing people from Dahiyeh (Beirut’s southern suburb) and they panicked and started asking questions,” said 30-year-old Christina, asking to be identified by only one name.

She took in displaced people but soon asked them to leave after neighbours, concerned the newcomers might be Hezbollah fighters, bombarded her with messages.

“There are growing tensions and suspicions towards displaced people because they are from the same religious group as Hezbollah,” Christina said.

“Some people are scared that one of their family members might be a target and they don’t want to risk” it, she told AFP.