In Tyre, pride in ancient city sustains remaining residents amid Israeli destruction

The coastal road that connects Beirut to Tyre, 80km south of the Lebanese capital, has an acrid stench of destruction.

For kilometres, the only vehicles visible on the once-busy highway are the carcasses of cars scattered along the roadside, grim remnants of the violence unleashed by Israeli strikes.

Tyre, the pearl of southern Lebanon, known as Sour in Arabic, is popular for its historical heritage, its architectural beauty and its beaches. Today, the ancient city seems cut off from the world. 

"That's how it is, we can't do anything about it," 75-year-old Abou Elias told Middle East Eye.

READ MORE: In Tyre, pride in ancient city sustains remaining residents amid Israeli destruction