Original Source
Beirut Residents Struggle to Rebuild After Israeli Airstrike
Devastation and Resilience in Zqaq al Blaat
The recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut's Zqaq al Blaat neighborhood has left a path of widespread destruction, with half a block significantly damaged. Mohammad Hassouna, a loyal customer at Wael's Barbershop, has been getting his hair cut there for over a decade. Despite the barber shop miraculously sustaining only material damage, its proximity to the targeted building highlights the fragility of life in the area. Business owner Wael Dawe states this is the third time his shop has been destroyed, and even his house was damaged more than the shop, emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by residents.
Community Solidarity Amidst Lack of Support
Residents of Zqaq al Blaat are facing immense challenges with little to no government support. Wael Dawe explains that he and his neighbors want to work but are burdened by rent, electricity bills for shops and homes, and other expenses. He further laments the lack of state support and the inaccessibility of funds in banks, stating that 'everything is gone.' Huwaida Noon, the owner of the laundromat next door, shares similar circumstances. Her shop was completely destroyed, and she and her son had been sleeping there after being displaced from Beirut's southern suburbs. Despite the overwhelming losses, she expresses gratitude that no lives were lost. In the face of adversity, these communities are turning inward, supporting and trusting only in one another to navigate what has become yet another dark chapter in Lebanese history.
*Source: YouTube: TRT World (2026-03-15)*
