Beirut, Lebanon- The Lebanese capital has been thrown into chaos following nocturnal Israeli airstrikes that rip parts of the city day in and day out, leaving its residents living in an endless state of unease and worry. Relentless bombardments that, since relations between nations became frigid, have intensified the nights of Beirut, turning them into a nightmare, such as it has left mass destruction and humanitarian crises.
Every day, the howls of sirens and boom explosions reach every corner of the city, and the civilian population panics at large. Families are taking refuge in basements and bomb shelters, while other families are locked within their homes because the strikes are unpredictable. Hospitals, stretched thin already by casualties, overflowing with people, and cut-offs to electricity in large parts of the city further aggravate the problem.
The attacks are described as relentless and indiscriminate and frequently hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure. “Every night, it’s the same terror. We hear the bombs, and we don’t know if we will see the morning,” said Ahmed, a father of three, whose family now lives in constant fear.
The strikes are justified as a neutralization effort against the militant threat posed by Hezbollah and other groups operating within Lebanon,” the government alleged. Israeli officials explain that attacks aim only at military installations, arms depots, and supply routes, while foreign groups and rights advocates have also expressed urgency for an immediate ceasefire because of the damage to civilian zones.
The humanitarian effects of the nightly bombardment are getting worse day by day. Thousands of families have already been displaced, fleeing their homes for safer places, with food and medical supplies dwindling. The organizations giving aid are finding it hard to do so amidst the mayhem, and the psychological effect on the population is palpable.
Lebanon is already experiencing itself at the brim of economical collapse and political instability; it is also experiencing aerial bombardment with no signs of ending. Nights became the representation of uncertainty and fear for so many people as they sleep in Beirut, with the “nightmare” of the war continuing to engulf their lives.
International appeals for de-escalation have so far gone in vain, and the skies of Beirut are the only destination where people are waiting with hope that perhaps peace will return to their skies once again.
