A City on Edge: The Ongoing Struggle of Beirut's Residents Amid Conflict

Beirut's residents, particularly in the Dahiyeh area, are grappling with uncertainty and financial pressure amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation has worsened due to economic hardship, making it difficult for families to find safe and affordable accommodations. Sectarian tensions further complicate the search for refuge.

Beirut's residents, especially in the Dahiyeh area, are facing heightened uncertainty and financial strain due to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. This difficulty is compounded by a crippling economic meltdown that has drastically devalued the local currency and left many without savings, making it nearly impossible to secure safe, affordable accommodations.

The situation is especially dire for individuals like Bilal Sahlab, who sent his family to a safer location but continued to work in Dahiyeh to support them. Rent prices in safer areas have skyrocketed, often beyond the means of ordinary citizens struggling on reduced salaries. Meanwhile, some residents have encountered discrimination and hostility in trying to relocate to areas dominated by other sectarian groups.

The broader socio-economic challenges, coupled with sectarian enmities, make it difficult for families to find refuge. Stories of residents being turned away or priced out of safer areas underscore the lack of empathy and support within the community. As they navigate these trials, the residents of Dahiyeh remain on edge, torn between the dangers of staying and the challenges of fleeing.

(With inputs from agencies.)