Beirut Port Explosion: Four Years Later, Grief and Calls for Justice Persist

Four years after the devastating Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, the city remains haunted by the tragedy that claimed over 200 lives and left thousands injured. As Beirut commemorates this somber anniversary, survivors and victims’ families continue to struggle with the lingering impact, both physical and emotional.

Thousands gathered in downtown Beirut today to mark the event, demanding justice and accountability from a government many believe has failed them. Hassan Ali Amin, who lost his brother in the explosion, voiced his frustration: “The government isn’t functioning as it should. They’re trying to sweep everything under the rug, pretending nothing happened, while we’re left to deal with the aftermath.”

Mariam Higazi lost her small business in the blast, and with it, her future. “My life was in that shop,” she said. “When it was destroyed, so was everything I had ever worked for.”

Ibrahim Hatit, whose relative was injured in the explosion, expressed the ongoing pain felt by many. “The wounds are still fresh, not just physically but emotionally. We live with the memories of that day, and we see the same corruption that caused it.”

The calls for justice echoed through today’s demonstrations, highlighting the widespread frustration with the lack of accountability. Despite numerous investigations and promises, many in Beirut feel abandoned and unheard, their demands for truth met with silence.

As Beirut rebuilds, the scars of August 4 remain. The people of Beirut continue to seek justice, and their voices, like those of Hassan, Mariam, and Ibrahim, refuse to be silenced.