For the past two days, fishing boats have remained docked at the Tyre port in southern Lebanon. This situation arose following a warning issued by the Israeli military on Monday, advising against operating vessels along the southern Lebanese coast. As a result, local fishermen have found themselves unable to carry out their usual activities, leaving them with idle time to either watch over their moored boats or attempt fishing with a rod.
One local resident, Abu Ibrahim, expressed his frustration at the restrictions, highlighting the impact on their livelihoods. He mentioned that the sea, which was once a source of sustenance, has now become off-limits, posing a challenge for the community's food supply. With his family currently residing in a shelter in Beirut, the options for sustenance have become limited.
The area surrounding the port, which was once bustling with activity, now resembles a ghost town. The continuous Israeli airstrikes on the city and its suburbs have forced many residents and internally displaced individuals to seek refuge elsewhere, resulting in a significant decline in local businesses.
Due to the warnings against traveling south, the flow of supplies into Tyre has been severely disrupted. The majority of shops and restaurants in the city have been forced to close their doors, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the local population.
Despite the desolate atmosphere, a few cafes and bars near the port remain open, providing a semblance of normalcy in an otherwise distressed environment. Passersby, like Tony Khatouki, view the seaport as a safe haven amidst the chaos, emphasizing its role as a sanctuary within a city scarred by the ongoing conflict.
