Residents of Beirut Seek Refuge After Airstrike

Residents in Beirut's southern suburbs are devising contingency plans following an Israeli airstrike that killed a top Hezbollah commander, fueling fears of an impending war. Many are relocating to safer areas within Lebanon, while a smaller group is considering moving to neighboring Syria, where living costs are lower despite the ongoing civil war. The Israeli strike on July 30 resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur, his family, and multiple civilians, intensifying the already volatile situation. Since October 8, Hezbollah has conducted near-daily rocket attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Local resident Zahra Ghaddar described the devastation in her neighborhood, expressing concern over rising tensions and social media backlash against displaced civilians. As the conflict escalates, many Lebanese are increasingly anxious about their safety and future options.