As Israeli jets unleashed a series of airstrikes on Beirut, panic swept through the city, prompting many residents to abandon their homes in search of safety.
In a desperate bid to escape the escalating violence, families gathered their belongings and fled to the beaches, where they sought refuge in the open air, hoping for a brief reprieve from the bombings.
The airstrikes, which began shortly after midnight, targeted several neighborhoods in the southern part of the city, reportedly hitting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that has been involved in ongoing tensions with Israel.
Explosions rocked the city, shattering windows and damaging buildings, while thick plumes of smoke rose into the night sky, casting a dark shadow over Beirut.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as families poured into the streets, clutching children and essential items while navigating the rubble and debris left in the wake of the bombings. Many chose to head to the waterfront, where they believed they would be safer from the strikes and could find some solace from the relentless bombardment.
“We had no choice but to leave our home,” said Samira, a mother of three who fled to the beach with her children.
“The sound of the jets was terrifying, and we couldn’t take the risk of staying inside. We just want to be safe.”
Reports from the ground indicate that the airstrikes have resulted in casualties, with local hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured residents. Medical teams are working tirelessly to treat those affected, but the scale of the destruction poses significant challenges.
Hospitals in Beirut have called for urgent assistance and supplies, as they brace for more casualties amid the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military confirmed the airstrikes, stating that they were part of a broader operation to target Hezbollah positions in response to increased rocket fire into northern Israel. In a statement, the IDF emphasized that it would continue to take action against any threats emanating from Lebanon, holding Hezbollah responsible for the violence.
As the conflict escalates, fears are mounting over a potential ground invasion or further military operations, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Aid organizations have warned that the already fragile infrastructure in the country is ill-equipped to handle a surge in displaced people, and calls for international assistance are growing louder.
Humanitarian agencies have begun mobilizing resources to provide support to those affected by the violence, but access to aid remains hampered by ongoing hostilities. “The situation is dire, and we are seeing families forced to make impossible choices,” said a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross. “We urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and allow humanitarian access to those in need.”
As night fell over Beirut, the beach became a makeshift refuge for those seeking shelter from the chaos. Families huddled together, sharing blankets and trying to comfort one another amid the uncertainty of the situation. Many expressed a deep sense of fear and frustration, questioning when the violence would end and when they could return to their homes.
“Every time we think it’s over, it starts again,” said Ahmad, a local shop owner who has witnessed the cycles of conflict throughout his life.
“We just want to live in peace, but that seems so far away right now.”
With tensions showing no signs of abating, the plight of those in Beirut remains precarious. The world watches as the city grapples with the consequences of renewed violence, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to a region long plagued by conflict.
Be the first to comment