On Monday, central Beirut was rocked by an airstrike that left a trail of devastation in its wake. Locals recounted the harrowing experience of being jolted awake by the sound of sirens and a deafening explosion. The aftermath revealed a scene of chaos, with broken concrete strewn across the street and homes reduced to rubble.
According to witnesses, the attack occurred at 1 a.m. local time, marking the first instance of strikes hitting within the city limits of Beirut in the recent escalation of violence. The targeted area near the Cola intersection bore the brunt of the strike, with an apartment block left in ruins and fallen shop signs littering the surroundings.
Tragically, three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) lost their lives in the early morning strike, as confirmed by the group. While previous Israeli strikes had primarily targeted the southern part of the city, known for its dense population and strong Hezbollah presence, this latest attack struck at the heart of central Beirut.
Residents who rushed to the scene described a scene reminiscent of doomsday, with the force of the explosion shaking the entire area and leaving behind a grim aftermath of destruction and body parts. Despite the devastation, the resilient spirit of the community shone through, with one local vowing that they would survive and not succumb to the violence and chaos inflicted upon them.
The sentiment of defiance against those who seek to sow discord and destruction in the country was palpable among the residents, with accusations leveled at Israel for its role in the attack. As Beirut grapples with the aftermath of yet another tragedy, the resilience and determination of its people stand as a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
