The atmosphere in Beirut is increasingly harrowing as the sounds of Israeli bombings echo throughout the city, instilling sheer terror among its residents. The force of the explosions reverberates through buildings, even several kilometers away, prompting many to rush to their windows to gauge how close the attacks are. Israeli drones flying low across the city have become a chilling harbinger of impending strikes, heightening fears of where the next bombs might land.
Lebanon’s Economy Minister has described the situation as “a city under siege,” capturing the growing sense of despair among the population.
Throughout the night, Israeli forces have intensified their focus on the southern suburbs, illuminating the skies of the capital with massive orange mushroom clouds as buildings are engulfed in flames and debris. The scene is one of terror and devastation. In just a few days, Beirut has undergone a drastic transformation from a vibrant city center to a landscape strewn with makeshift camps as people seek refuge wherever they can. Roads are congested with families desperately circling the city, searching for shelter or a place to set up camp with whatever belongings they can fit into their vehicles.
Official shelters in schools, universities, and government buildings are overflowing, prompting many to take refuge in parks, road junctions, and even on public beaches. Nightclubs have been repurposed as emergency housing for those fleeing conflict from the southern regions near the Israeli border, with many now cowering in fear as Israeli jets conduct air raids throughout the night.
The Israeli military has been issuing daily warnings of upcoming strikes, which only serve to amplify the atmosphere of fear and anxiety.
Dahieh, the southern suburb most heavily targeted, is known as a Hezbollah stronghold. However, it is important to note that it is also home to tens of thousands of non-affiliated residents, many of whom find themselves trapped in a precarious situation. With a pre-war population estimated at around 600,000, the area remains densely populated despite the ongoing conflict.
Residents still in the area express their deep-seated fears about leaving their homes. Many have shared their thoughts: “But where would I go? What would I do? All I own and have is here—why would I leave it all?” This sentiment echoes throughout the community, illustrating the difficult choices faced by those caught in the crossfire of conflict.
