Displaced families shelter in tents at the Beirut waterfront, in Beirut, Lebanon, May 21, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Israeli drones had been buzzing low over Beirut since early Monday morning, their persistent hum hanging over Biel, an open field in downtown Beirut transformed into a shelter for people displaced by Israel’s war in Lebanon.Under a harsh sun, endless rows of tents stretched across the field — some erected in coordination with Beirut’s governorate, others improvised alongside the official site. Twenty-six years ago, Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon ended an 18-year occupation. Today, the anniversary known as Liberation Day arrived, with much of south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley once again under bombardment and Israeli troops occupying at least 68 villages. Since the cease-fire of April 16, over 400 people have been killed, according to the Health Ministry. For many here, May 25 no longer felt like a day of celebration. They...
Israeli drones had been buzzing low over Beirut since early Monday morning, their persistent hum hanging over Biel, an open field in downtown Beirut transformed into a shelter for people displaced by Israel’s war in Lebanon.Under a harsh sun, endless rows of tents stretched across the field — some erected in coordination with Beirut’s governorate, others improvised alongside the official site. Twenty-six years ago, Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon ended an 18-year occupation. Today, the anniversary known as Liberation Day arrived, with much of south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley once again under bombardment and Israeli troops occupying at least 68 villages. Since the cease-fire of April 16, over 400 people have been killed, according to the Health Ministry. For many here, May 25 no longer felt like a day of celebration....
