Residents reacted on Sunday after three powerful explosions shook Beirut hours earlier and just after the Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation orders.
The strikes, which were part of Israel’s intensive bombardment of the south of the city, targeted buildings in the capital’s southern suburbs of Dahiyeh.
Lebanese broadcaster Al-Jadeed showed footage of large explosions illuminating the area, after which fire engulfed the targeted buildings.
In the heart of Beirut, echoes of explosions reverberated through the night.
Hamra Street, typically bustling with life, was a backdrop to the unfolding tragedy.
Abbas Ismael, a long-time Beirut resident, shared his distressing perspective on the night’s events.
“I did not hear bombardment; I heard destruction, devastation upon us, upon the suburbs, upon the South. They leave nothing,” he said.
The devastation has left many, like Denise Matar, displaced and desperate for peace.
“Let all the countries talk to them and put pressure on them to stop the war and negotiate with each other,” she urged.
“What is the fault of the people? And those children who died? They left us with nothing, and we have become nothing. Nothing, no houses, no shops, nothing at all.”
Israel is still battling Hamas in Gaza a year after the group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and has opened a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has been trading fire with Israel along the border since the war in Gaza began.
Israel has also vowed to strike Iran itself after Tehran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel last week.
Residents of Beirut Highlight the Emotional and Psychological Toll of Israeli Bombings world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World News Today
