Anger and fear gripped Beirut as the sound of war returned to the city, with tens of thousands fleeing their homes and the streets echoing with the sounds of Israeli bombs. The conflict, sparked by Hezbollah's decision to join the war on Iran's side, has left a trail of devastation and a sense of betrayal among Lebanese citizens. Abu Yehya, a 41-year-old day labourer, and his family were among those who had to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the same spot in downtown Beirut where they had sought shelter during the last conflict. The sound of bombing and the sight of rockets being launched by Hezbollah sent shockwaves through the community, with children screaming in fear. The Israeli response was swift, with strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Bekaa valley, and south Lebanon, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
The Lebanese government, feeling betrayed by Hezbollah's actions, took unprecedented steps to distance itself from the conflict. They banned Hezbollah from all security and military functions, ordering the group to act solely as a political party. The cabinet also instructed the judiciary to arrest those responsible for the rocket attacks and the Lebanese army to prevent further launches from within the country. The decision reflected a growing sense of resignation and anger among the population, who had endured years of Israeli bombardment without Hezbollah's retaliation.
The war's impact on Beirut was evident in the crowded streets and emergency shelters, where families struggled to find respite from the harsh morning sun. The city's atmosphere was heavy with the constant buzz of Israeli drones and the ominous rumble of fighter jets, a stark contrast to the solidarity that emerged during the last conflict. As the war raged on, the Lebanese people were left with a sense of uncertainty and a desire to find safety, even if it meant seeking shade in a park far from their homes.
