As smoke continued to rise from Beirut’s southern suburbs on a Saturday morning, families who had fled their homes the night before to escape Israel’s bombardment were left to witness the aftermath. The night had been chaotic, with explosions forcing them out and overcrowded shelters providing little relief. By morning, hundreds were scattered across public spaces, beaches, and even cars in Beirut.
Many trudged towards the mountains, cradling their infants and meager belongings, seeking refuge from the strikes unleashed by Israel on Dahiyeh, a Shiite suburb where Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed. The escalation of Israeli attacks in the past week has resulted in over 700 deaths in Lebanon, with a vow to dismantle Hezbollah’s influence.
The displaced, including long-time residents and Syrian refugees, sought safety in Beirut but faced challenges finding adequate shelter. Syrians expressed concerns about returning home due to potential repercussions, while Lebanese residents struggled to find available spaces in schools-turned-shelters.
Amidst the chaos, humanitarian aid organizations struggled to keep up with the growing number of displaced individuals, leaving many to rely on each other for support. Despite the uncertainty and fear, the resilient spirit of the people remained unwavering, as they held on to hope for a better tomorrow.
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