On Beirut’s Waterfront, Loss Meets Life, and Luxury, Amid War

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Thousands displaced by Israeli strikes on Lebanon’s capital now shelter along the promenade hugging the Mediterranean Sea. They share it with joggers, cyclists and dog walkers, alongside dizzying displays of wealth.

The shirtless jogger, his headphones in and his back slick with sweat, ran past a row of tents pitched along the seafront in downtown Beirut, Lebanon’s capital. In one tent, a displaced family of four — uprooted by weeks of war that have convulsed the nation — watched him pass.

For a moment, the scene held its uneasy calm. The evening sun faded into the Mediterranean Sea, the steady rhythm of the waves softened the edges of the day, and the runner kept his pace, eyes forward. And then a deafening roar shattered it all: An Israeli airstrike had hit a nearby neighborhood, sending plumes of smoke into the sky.

“We chose the seaside because it is peaceful,” said Hussein Hame, 37, who, along with his wife and two children, was displaced this month from Dahiya, a collection of neighborhoods on the southern outskirts of Beirut where Hezbollah holds sway. “But this war finds you everywhere.”

War has returned to Lebanon, and the capital’s meandering seafront has become an unlikely front line. Here, a stark contrast has emerged: The displaced and destitute sit in the cold, while others live life as usual — jogging, cycling — amid the dizzying wealth and luxury that exist nearby. » | Abdi Latif Dahir | Photographs by Diego Ibarra Sanchez | Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon | Sunday, March 22, 2026

'Nowhere in Lebanon Is Safe': Beirut Reels under Relentless Israeli Airstrikes | DW News

Mar 16, 2026 | The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is once again forcing families from their homes. Shelters are overflowing, and some families in Beirut are now spending their nights on the seafront. The International Committee of the Red Cross estimates that more than one million people have already been displaced in Lebanon. DW’s Mohamad Chreyteh reports.

A Beirut Hotel Sheltering the Displaced Comes Under Fire

March 8, 2026 | A Christian hotel owner opened her doors to Shiite Muslims fleeing Israel’s bombardment of the southern outskirts of Beirut. Then an Israeli missile struck the hotel, killing her 34-year-old receptionist. | By Simona Foltyn, Adrian Hartrick, Ang Li, Mark Boyer, Santiago García Muñoz and Jon Hazell
Watch the NYT video here.

Israel Strikes Tehran and Beirut as Iran Vows ‘Complete Destruction’ in Region

THE GUARDIAN: Rapidly escalating war enters fifth day and spreads as far as Indian Ocean with sinking of Iranian vessel off Sri Lanka

Israel has carried out a wave of airstrikes on Iranian security targets and Hezbollah in Beirut as Tehran threatened the “complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure” as the rapidly escalating war entered its fifth day and reached as far as the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka.

The Israeli military said it had hit buildings in Iran belonging to the Basij, the volunteer police arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), and buildings belonging to internal security forces. Police stations and IRGC headquarters in the Kurdish regions of north-western Iran were also razed by strikes, Kurdish media reported.

Iran’s security structures have been instrumental in putting down protest movements in the past, and the US has urged Iranians to overthrow the country’s government. Washington has also reportedly been exploring the possibility of using Kurdish separatist groups to invade parts of Iran and establish a safe zone in the predominantly Kurdish groups in the north-west.

The regional dimension of the conflict continued to expand, as Iran struck Gulf states and Hezbollah fired on Israel and Cyprus. Turkey said Nato air defences had intercepted a ballistic missile heading towards its airspace, and the US said it had sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities said at least 80 people had been killed and 23 rescued. There were thought have been 180 people on board. » | William Christou in Beirut | Wednesday, March 4, 2026

War Spreads across Gulf as Iran Hits Targets from Oman to Cyprus

Mar 2, 2026 | Israel has been under fire from Iranian drones and missiles through the day, shooting down the majority but taking more civilian casualties too.

The war has spread to Lebanon after Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, with heavy bombing in Beirut.

Hopes of a rapid end to the war are receding as the rhetoric and violence escalate on both sides.

The US president and his Secretary of War said their military operation was ahead of schedule.

And whilst neither gave a timeframe for its end, getting rid of Ayatollah Khamenei has come at a price for America and its allies, from downed jets and spiralling commodities prices to the deaths of civilians and soldiers.

All the while, the truly achievable aims of the American and Israeli attacks remain unclear.

US Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon during US-Israel War with Iran | BBC News

Mar 2, 2026 | The United States has urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately.

It comes after the Lebanese health ministry said Israeli attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people. Israel said it was responding to Hezbollah attacks.

"The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Airstrikes have occurred throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut", the US Embassy in Beirut said.


Netanyahu seems to be having trouble trying to keep a straight face! How strange! — © Mark Alexander

Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire after Iran Attack | BBC News

Mar 2, 2026 | Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have exchanged strikes as the Iran conflict widens across the Middle East.

The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon have killed at least 31 people, with 149 injured. Israel said it was responding to Hezbollah attacks.

Meanwhile, apparent Iranian strikes around the region continue - with explosions reported in Bahrain and Dubai, while an oil refinery was attacked in Saudi Arabia.

In Kuwait, “several” US fighter planes have crashed, the Kuwaiti military has said.

Pope Leo Departs Lebanon after Historic Visit Marked by Masses and Messages

Dec 2, 2025 | Pope Leo XIV has departed Lebanon, concluding a historic visit that highlighted his calls for peace, unity, and reconciliation in the Middle East. During his stay, he led Masses, met Lebanese leaders, and paid tribute to the victims of past tragedies, leaving a lasting message of hope for the nation. For more details, watch our story and subscribe to our channel, DRM News.

I am not a Roman Catholic. Nevertheless, this wonderful man gives one hope in a world filled with conflict, troubles, and tribulations. This pope is most impressive. In my opinion; the Catholic Church is truly blessed to have such a marvellous and inspiring leader. — © Mark Alexander

Pope Leo Affirms Support for Two-State Solution during Trip to Lebanon | DW News

Dec 1, 2025 | Pope Leo has reaffirmed the Vatican's backing of two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling it the only way to guarantee justice for both sides. Beginning a three day trip to Lebanon, the pope also challenged the country's political leaders to become true peacemakers.

Pope Leo Visits Turkey on His First Trip Abroad: What Can We Expect? | DW News

Nov 26, 2025 | Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first trip abroad, which will take him to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2 – where he aims to promote Christian unity and urge peace efforts amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, had planned to visit both countries but was unable to go because of his worsening health. Turkey and Lebanon are majority Muslim countries – and Francis put a strong focus on Muslim-Catholic dialogue during his twelve-year pontificate. But foreign travels are also an opportunity for the Vatican to conduct international diplomacy. So, what can we expect from Leo's visit to Turkey?

Life in Lebanon as the Country Falls

Oct 23, 2025 | Lebanon, the former “Switzerland of the Middle East”, stands on the brink of becoming a failed state. Years of civil war, border conflicts and corrupt government has left the country bankrupt and spiralling into chaos. The Beirut port explosion reduced the capital to tatters and exposed the utter failure of sectarianism politics. Lebanon now finds itself more vulnerable than ever to foreign influence, once again a key stake for international powers playing out their broader ambitions across the Mideast. But in this deeply divided country, a young generation is ready to battle for reform.

At the supermarkets in Beirut, hyperinflation has led to the food changing price every day. Lilian, 24, hoped to become a diplomat but the economic crisis forced her to quit her studies. Now she is has joined the protest movement and pawns her clothes to buy food. The man most people blame for this desperate situation is Riad Salameh, head of the central bank for the past three decades and accused of embezzling close to a billion dollars. The IMF and World Bank has offered to bail out Lebanon if the central bank opens up its account books. Something that Salameh – with the support of the whole political class – absolutely refuses to do.

Yet economic collapse isn’t the only cause of the country’s woes. In southern Lebanon, safety risks along the border with Israel are a main source of instability. This is a stronghold for Hezbollah, which operates as a state within a state, providing for every aspect of daily life in exchange for absolute loyalty. Further north, the Bekaa valley is the other Hezbollah stronghold. But it is also home to one of Lebanon’s most serious problems the Syrian refugee crisis. The mass arrival of 1.5 million Syrian refugees has further destabilised a nation long distrustful of Syria. Everything is done to hide the Syrian problem. Large international NGO are prevented from working here and the refugees themselves, like 12-year-old Abdelfateh, are forced to slave long hours to survive.

No population census has been held for decades in Lebanon to avoid threatening the fragile balance of sectarian powers. But the sunnis are convinced they form the largest section of the population.They feel oppressed and increasingly look towards Saudi Arabia or Turkey’s Muslim brotherhood for help. But despite everything, people like Lilian are determined to confront these endemic problems. “My destiny is to stay here and engage in political action…. The proverb “Lebanese love life” is very true, we love life despite everything!”

This documentary was produced by Kaliste Productions and directed by Alfred de Montesquiou. It was first released in 2021.

Lebanon: A People in Crisis (Re-upload) | ARTE.tv Documentary

Oct 6, 2025 | Undermined by the corruption of its leaders, the country is going through one of the worst economic crises in its history. Since the collapse of the banking system, Lebanese people have seen their living standards plunge.

The local currency has lost up to 90% of its value, and inflation is soaring. There are also shortages of fuel, electricity, and medicines. Some citizens even say Lebanon is on the brink of becoming a failed state.

Lebanon: A People in Crisis (Re-upload) | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until 30/09/2028

Lebanon’s Crisis: The Last Hope | The Country That Lost Everything

Jun 30, 2025 | Lebanon was once called the Switzerland of the Middle East. Today, it's on the edge of collapse. This documentary shows how everyday life in Lebanon has become a struggle for survival.

Uncovering Lebanon’s Rich History and Culture - Breath-taking Views - Travel Documentary

Oct 2, 2024 | For so long battered by the course of history, Lebanon has found unparalleled energy to rebuild itself. The center of Beirut is today the symbol of this dynamism with a spectacular rehabilitation of historic buildings affected by the war and which mix modernism and tradition.

On the Verge of Collapse: Lebanon’s Battle for a Future | Dispatch | HD Documentary| Reupload

Oct 15, 2024 | Long considered the Switzerland of the Middle East, Lebanon is now going through the worst economic crisis in its history. 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. In one year, food prices have jumped 500% due to galloping inflation.

For Riad, who runs a grocery store in the suburbs of Beirut, business has become hellish. Every morning, calculator in hand, he changes the labels of his products according to the day’s exchange rate. An operation all the more complex as his store is plunged into darkness, due to lack of electricity. The Lebanese government no longer provides more than two hours of electricity per day in the country. It is impossible for the population to heat, light or use their refrigerator. Taking advantage of the situation, a network of private generators has emerged.

The Lebanese pound, the local currency, has lost 90% of its value. The only ones to get away with it are those who are paid in dollars. The greenback, which is exchanged for a fortune against the local currency, has given birth to a new privileged social class in the country. A salesman in an international pharmaceutical company, Joseph lives like a king in a ruined Lebanon. Thanks to his new purchasing power, he repaid his house loan in two months, instead of… twenty years!

In a bankrupt state, plagued by corruption, six out of ten Lebanese citizens now dream of leaving the country. In Tripoli, in northern Lebanon, Mohammed and his son left by sea to reach Germany. Although their trip was cut short off the Turkish coast, the young father is still ready to take all the risks to reach the European El Dorado.

Netanyahu Urges UN Forces Leave Lebanon Combat Zones | REUTERS

Oct 13, 2024 | The United Nations said Israeli tanks burst through the gates of a base of its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, the latest accusation of Israeli violations and attacks that have been denounced by its own allies.

PM Netanyahu's Message to the People of Lebanon

Oct 8, 2024 | PM Netanyahu's Message to the People of Lebanon: "You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza." | This is a message to the people of Lebanon:

Israel Tells US It Plans to Launch Limited Ground Incursion into Lebanon - US Official | BBC News

Sep 30, 2024 | Israel has told the US it plans to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon as soon as Monday, a US official has said.

Hezbollah's deputy leader said it's ready for an Israeli ground offensive, as Israel continues air strikes across Lebanon.

It's the first speech by a high-ranking official since Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Naim Qassem said the battle "may be long".

n Lebanon, officials said more than 1,000 have been killed in the past two weeks, while up to a million people may now be displaced.


That was a very powerful, short speech by Benjamin Netanyahu. True words! – © Mark Alexander

'Lebanon Will Pay a Big Price If War Escalates' - Minister Tells Sky News

Sep 24, 2024 | Lebanon's economy minister has warned his country will pay a “very big price” if Hezbollah continues to escalate the war against Israel. Amin Salam told Yalda Hakim the war will take Lebanon to a “very difficult place”.

Naftali Bennett to Lebanese People: Stand Up against Hezbollah!

Sep 24, 2024