In brief
Each evening, a crowd gathers on a hillside in Baabda, overlooking Dahiya as Israeli airstrikes rain down. This assembly has transformed from a casual retreat to a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, reflecting the tense socio-political dynamics at play.
The crowds gather every evening on a scenic hillside on the outskirts of Beirut, a stark contrast to its peaceful past. Young men, elderly couples, and local journalists find their way to the escarpment for an unobstructed view of the Dahiya neighborhood, which has faced relentless Israeli airstrikes over the past two months. As dusk falls, the anticipation mounts; onlookers cram atop motorcycles and cement barriers, peering into the distance for signs of destruction. “Look, look at the balcony, there. Do you see it?” asks Osama Assaf, 43, as he and a nearby spectator scan the skyline for smoke signals following an airstrike. With the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel escalating, this nightly congregation has evolved into a ritual in Baabda, a mountainous suburb southeast of Beirut.Once a local picnic spot where people enjoyed leisurely moments with friends and loved ones, this hillside now serves as a grim observation point. The Dahiya, filled with high-rise apartments and narrow streets, is predominantly home to Shiite Muslims and largely controlled by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. Israeli officials assert that their airstrikes are aimed at military targets. However, residents and beyond witness firsthand the devastation that has rendered the area a desolate shell, littered with ash and rubble.The hillside was initially a hub for local TV reporters providing updates on the ongoing war, but it soon attracted displaced Dahiya residents concerned about their homes. Many come to glean details on the fate of their neighborhoods, while others grapple with the boredom and upheaval brought by the conflict. Occasionally, groups of young Christians venture in, revealing the deep-rooted sectarian tensions that simmer within Lebanon.As the situation evolves, the gatherings reflect not only the immediate impacts of war but also the complex interplay of fear, curiosity, and underlying sectarian narratives that characterize life in Beirut during these turbulent times.
