PERSONAL: Displaced Lebanese musician finds solace in tunes

Displaced Lebanese musician Abed Sabagh, forced from Beirut's southern suburbs, is now living with his son in a mini bus, where clothes, food and his oud have been packed into the small space they now call home.

Hezbollah opened fire in support of Tehran on March 2, sparking an Israeli offensive that has killed more than 2,000 people and forced 1.2 million from their homes, according to Lebanese authorities.

The 68-year-old artist who has been playing music for 54 years, said he and his son slept on the streets for about a month and a half during the 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

He now spends his days around the mini bus, preparing tea, washing and shaving with the help of a small mirror, while trying to preserve a sense of routine. His oud, kept inside the vehicle, remains central to his daily life.

Sabagh who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday (April 14) said war leaves a deep psychological impact, bringing fear, insecurity and a loss of normal life. For him, music is both a refuge and a way to connect with others.

"Sometimes there are things you can't express, but this string reaches the hearts of all people," he said of the oud.

Sabagh believes music can speak to people's emotions, and change their opinions. 

Like many other Lebanese displaced by the conflict, he says he is still searching for hope.

"We want hope to be achieved so we can be like other peoples", he added.

-Production: Ahmed Al Kerdi, Raghed Waked, Emilie Madi, Joelle Kozaily/Reuters