Beirut's Sleepless Night

As the sun didn't rise, Beirut's streets came alive with a mix of urgency and exhaustion. The city's southern suburbs were under attack, and a CNN team witnessed the aftermath. People from nearby neighborhoods, forced to flee their homes, gathered on the sidewalks and boardwalks, many with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Women, children, and the elderly huddled together, clinging to each other for comfort. The once-quaint seaside promenade was now a makeshift camp, with families forced to fend for themselves amidst the chaos. Some sat on benches, trying to rest, while others wandered aimlessly, searching for a glimmer of hope. The city's commercial district, Hamra Street, became a hub of activity as displaced families sought shelter. Cars pulled up, and exhausted women emerged, carrying their children, blankets, and mattresses. The sounds of sirens and explosions echoed through the night, leaving a trail of fear and uncertainty. Despite the devastation, many residents tried to put on a brave face, masking their anxiety behind a veil of bravado. One elderly woman, trying to reassure her fellow escapees, told them, "We're okay! Our homes are okay. There's nothing to worry about. " The night was filled with the sounds of helicopters, the flash of explosions, and the screams of the fleeing. Restaurants and cafes stayed open, serving food and coffee as people gathered to watch the destruction unfold on TV screens. As the night wore on, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for more areas of southern Beirut. One neighborhood, Bourj el Barajneh, was particularly vulnerable, with a Palestinian refugee camp and poorer migrant communities. The outcome of this evacuation is still unknown.