Lebanese Police Demolish Fishermen Homes: ‘The Israelis Treated Us Better’

‘This kind of destruction is usually caused by a war or natural disaster. But this was Beirut this morning: no air strikes, no foreign army invasion, no earthquake. These homes were destroyed by the Lebanese government, the Lebanese police and billionaire families they work for.

The homes and small cafes that were leveled belong to some of the city’s poorest residents who have lived off the land for generations, fishing from the last natural shore in Beirut. But the Lebanese government, which is run by millionaires and billionaires has decided this land should be used for a luxury private development. Celebrity architect Rem Koolhaas has been asked to come up with a design.

“They didn’t give us any warning,” says boat-maker Bassam Chehab.’

Read more: Lebanese Police Demolish Fishermen Homes: 'The Israelis Treated Us Better'