Empty restaurant shows changes in Beirut Published on 5 October 20:03 BSTOctober 5th 20:03 BST
Nafice Konavald
BBC World Service Middle East correspondent based in Beirut
“You know my house was destroyed today,” Sameer, 26, said with a little smile.
He works at one of my favorite Lebanese restaurants on Beirut’s famous Jemmayzeh Street, which is lined with coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.
“I’m glad my family and I moved from there a few days ago.”
Samir’s home was in Burj el-Brajneh, an area in southern Beirut that was hit by a series of Israeli airstrikes today. The Israel Defense Forces said it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
Two buildings next to his parents' house collapsed, and his house was so badly damaged that he says, “I can’t live there anymore.”
He says his family has no ties to Hezbollah or any political party.
Previously, the restaurant was always full, especially on Saturdays. There are only two tables tonight. One is my journalist friend and I, the other is the owner and his family playing cards.
The many empty chairs are another sign of how much Beirut has changed in the past few weeks.
Many of these restaurants and bars were badly damaged in the port explosion four years ago. It’s only recently that the streets have started to get back on their feet.
“It’s like going back to square one over and over again,” said owner Mohammed.
Gemmayzeh is empty tonight. It’s dark and most places are closed.
A sign that once read “Lebanon does not want war” has been replaced by a sign that reads “Pray for Lebanon.”
Outside one of the few shisha bars still open, screens that once played music videos late into the night are now flashing news.
