Beirut, Lebanon – Residents of Beirut are grappling with heightened anxiety as Israeli airstrikes escalate, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The recent violence has sent shockwaves through neighborhoods previously considered safe, intensifying fears of a broader conflict.
On a recent morning, Marwan, the chief waiter at a hotel in Achrafieh, a wealthy Christian district, lightheartedly remarked, “Let’s smile so we look better in the pictures they are taking,” while watching an Israeli surveillance drone buzzing overhead. The drone’s deep, humming noise drowned out the background music and birdsong, a reminder of the precarious situation. The atmosphere shifted dramatically just days later when two Israeli missiles struck nearby, sending local residents into a panic.
The missiles targeted Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking Hezbollah security official, killing at least 22 people and marking the deadliest attack in the region thus far. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as people rushed to their balconies, attempting to comprehend the explosion’s origin. “Oh my God. What if we were passing through that street?” one neighbor exclaimed, echoing the fears of many who now question their safety.
The violence began escalating on September 17 and 18, when pager blasts killed at least 32 individuals and injured over 5,000, including both Hezbollah fighters and civilians. The situation deteriorated further with intensified airstrikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, leading to the deaths of several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders. As of late September, Israeli forces had invaded southern Lebanon, contributing to a staggering death toll of over 1,600 people due to ongoing bombardments.
Marwan reflected on the rapid deterioration of the situation, saying, “We haven’t digested what exactly happened.” Having lived through multiple conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel, he had always remained optimistic about the potential for peace. Now, he concedes, “I didn’t want to believe it, but we are at war.”
The streets of Beirut have become congested with cars as hundreds flee the escalating violence in the south, seeking refuge in the capital. Many have taken shelter in schools, while others find themselves sleeping on the streets. The vibrant cityscape is marked by billboards featuring Hassan Nasrallah’s face, with slogans evolving from “Lebanon doesn’t want war” to “Pray for Lebanon.”
Martyrs’ Square, typically a hub for protests and celebrations, has transformed into a makeshift tent city for displaced families, many of whom are Syrian refugees barred from shelters that prioritize Lebanese nationals. The psychological strain is palpable as residents navigate uncertainty.
Nadine, a 26-year-old customer at Aaliya’s Books, expressed her unease. “I don’t feel safe anymore. We keep hearing explosions all night,” she said, questioning the potential for future attacks.
While the strikes primarily target Hezbollah strongholds in southern suburbs, the reverberations are felt citywide, resulting in sleepless nights and closed businesses. The once-vibrant Aaliya’s Books has fallen silent, with patrons too anxious to enjoy their evenings. Bar manager Charlie Haber lamented the atmosphere change: “It is sad and frustrating… Everyone is asking, what is next?”
As businesses struggle to cope, tensions among community members are rising. Nadine highlighted the growing divisions along sectarian lines, with many Lebanese families hesitant to help newly displaced Shia residents.
The fear of further Israeli strikes lingers, with Hezbollah leaders asserting that their officials do not shelter among displaced populations. However, residents remain on high alert, uncertain of the implications as violence continues to escalate across the region.
With the specter of war looming larger than ever, Beirut’s residents find themselves navigating a complex landscape of fear, uncertainty, and shifting alliances as they strive to maintain their daily lives amid the chaos.
