Introduction

Dr. Taghrid Diab, a dedicated gynecologist in Beirut, faced devastating impacts from Israeli air strikes that devastated her neighborhood. As she received alarming news about an impending attack on her clinic, her heart sank at the prospect of destruction.

The Impending Attack

Late Saturday night, Dr. Diab's daughter alerted her about the impending Israeli attack in Dahieh, a Beirut suburb associated with Hezbollah. Colonel Avichae Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-speaking spokesperson, had shared warning messages about targeted strikes.

Devastation of the Clinic

Dr. Diab knew her clinic was marked for destruction, and the heartbreaking reality of losing her 30-year legacy weighed heavily on her mind. The overnight strikes resulted in at least 23 fatalities and 93 injuries, intensifying the conflict and raising concerns about ongoing violence.

Bullets and Bombs

Dahieh became a focal point for the conflict, with prior missile strikes causing significant casualties, including famous Hezbollah leaders. The eerie silence in the neighborhood increased as the community became acutely aware of the incessant drone activity.

Damage and Loss

The BBC team witnessed the results of the strikes, with Dr. Diab’s clinic reduced to a crater amidst smoke and debris. Although no lives were lost in that specific attack, the mental anguish experienced by Dr. Diab and her community was substantial.

Community Impact

Dr. Diab had ceased services days before the strikes, understanding the impending chaos would hinder vital health services. Her clinic, uninsured, meant significant hardship for the community reliant on her care.

Local Business Struggles

Local businesses also felt the impact of the airstrikes, with shop owners like Shakeeb Saleh recounting previous struggles to rebuild after past conflicts, highlighting the continuous cycle of suffering and reconstruction.

Hospitals Under Pressure

Al Rassoul Al-Azam hospital was overrun with critical trauma cases, showcasing the dire situation for injured residents amid ongoing airstrikes and uncertainty about retaliatory actions.

Reflections and Resilience

Dr. Diab reminisced about the busy life in Dahieh and her hopes for the future involving her daughters. Despite the uncertainty, she remains determined to return and rebuild, embodying resilience in the face of despair.