Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, thousands of residents returned to the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahiyeh, to find widespread destruction caused by weeks of Israeli airstrikes.
The densely populated area, a Hezbollah stronghold, was a key target during the conflict, which escalated in September.
Returning residents found homes and businesses reduced to rubble. Speaking to AFP, Engineer Nizam Hamade described the area as “heroic suburbs” and credited Hezbollah with what he called a resistance victory.
Hezbollah supporters marked the ceasefire with celebratory gunfire, waving flags and handing out pictures of slain leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, both killed in Israeli strikes. However, the celebrations turned when a young man in Dahiyeh was killed by stray celebratory bullet fired by his friend. Many residents reported finding these celebratory bullets near their homes.
WILD 🚨
Hezbollah Supporter Accidentally Kills His Friend During ‘Victory’ Celebration pic.twitter.com/cCwB5duwGs
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 27, 2024
Residents expressed gratitude to the designated terror group, viewing its survival as a victory against Israel despite heavy losses. Hezbollah leaders have promised an official funeral for Nasrallah and continue to organize public displays of solidarity in the area.
Hezbollah supporters celebrate in the Dahia of Beirut pic.twitter.com/ZYtcKzWPB1
— Guy Elster (@guyelster) November 27, 2024
The recent conflict killed over 3,800 people in Lebanon, according to the health ministry, with most casualties occurring after September.
