Beirut, Lebanon – On Wednesday, protesters, brandishing both Palestinian and Lebanese flags, clashed with security forces near the United States Embassy in a northern suburb of Beirut. Rocks, water bottles, and firecrackers were hurled at the security barricade, prompting the deployment of tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The demonstration, organized in response to Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, drew participants from across Lebanon, reflecting widespread anger at what many perceive as unwavering U.S. support for Israel. Hezbollah, among other groups, had called for a day of fervent protest.
The protesters, arriving by various means including bus, car, and motorized scooter, rallied against Washington’s consistent backing of Israel, irrespective of the political administration in power. The U.S. allocates approximately $3.8 billion in annual military aid to Israel.
The catalyst for this outpouring of anger was not limited to the tragic bombing of al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which claimed an estimated 500 lives. Many expressed a deep-seated frustration over years of perceived injustice. Ahmad, a 43-year-old from the Palestinian refugee camp of Burj el-Barajneh, emphasized the need to differentiate between Hamas and innocent civilians.
The protesters’ sense of indignation is amplified by a perception of international apathy towards the plight of Palestinians. Israeli officials’ dehumanizing language has further exacerbated tensions.
Approximately 210,000 Palestinian refugees reside in Lebanon, largely confined to refugee camps due to restrictions on property ownership, education, and employment. While groups like Hezbollah vocally support the Palestinian cause, legislative action to improve conditions for refugees in Lebanon has been limited.
Local support for the protest was mixed. While some, like Abou Elias el-Hajj, a 40-year-old Lebanese Maronite, stood in solidarity against perceived U.S. policy, others like Eliane, a 33-year-old minimarket owner, voiced concerns over property damage during previous protests.
Protests also unfolded near the German embassy and in the southern Beirut suburb of Haret Hreik. Demonstrators, irrespective of political affiliation, rallied against Israel’s actions, with a call to end the violence in Gaza resonating strongly.
For those with personal ties to Gaza, like Zainab, a 26-year-old student from the region, the situation is acutely distressing. As the demonstrators vented their frustration at the barricade, Lebanese police officers stood nearby, acknowledging the need for an outlet for the protesters’ helplessness.
NajIa el-Hassan, a 38-year-old mother, encapsulated the profound sorrow felt by many: “Before they even lived, they died.” The sentiments expressed at these protests underline a broader frustration and call for global attention to the ongoing crisis.