Few Lebanese Families Return to Villages in South Destroyed by Israel War

Introduction

As the year marks nearly a year since the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the situation in southern Lebanon remains dire. The ongoing Israeli military presence in the region continues to prevent many families from returning to their homes, which have been devastated by conflict.

The Shaabi Family’s Struggle

Among those affected is the Shaabi family, who reside in a village that has been ravaged by war. Kawthar, a member of the family, expressed a desire to avoid political discussions, emphasizing their longing for a peaceful life. Their reluctance to engage in political discourse is understandable, given their isolation and the absence of state support in a conflict-ridden area.

Ongoing Conflict and Ceasefire

A cessation of hostilities was established two months after the outbreak of violence, which was expected to facilitate peace and reconstruction efforts. However, the reality has been starkly different. Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah continue, and the sustained presence of Israeli forces in Lebanese territory has left nearly 100,000 people unable to return to their homes.

The New Reality in Southern Lebanon

Traveling to the village of Abou Chach, located just a few kilometers from the Israeli border, the devastation is evident. The landscape is marked by destruction, with the once-thriving community now resembling a wasteland. The road that runs along the contested frontier has become perilous, with Israeli military positions obstructing access to several villages.

Life After War

In Abou Chach, the Shaabi family is one of the few that has returned to the area, which remains fraught with conflict. Kawthar’s daughter, Zahra, shared insights into their altered lives. “In the past, our friends were in this village. There were shops; there were people in the streets. We used to go to school… This is no longer the case, but we are happy to be back,” she said.

Their home was destroyed during the Israeli strikes that escalated in September 2024, marking a significant military operation aimed at defeating Hezbollah. The Lebanese government has demanded that Israel withdraw its troops and cease attacks to enable the deployment of the Lebanese army, while Israel insists that Lebanon must first disarm Hezbollah.

Isolation and Support

The Shaabi family’s only visitors are United Nations peacekeepers, who have forged a connection with the community. Their mission extends beyond stabilizing the area; they aim to support the residents who are desperate for assistance.

Living amid the ruins, the Shaabi family faces significant challenges. The village school has been destroyed, leaving children without access to education. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International have called for investigations into the widespread destruction of civilian property in southern Lebanon, labeling these actions as potential war crimes.

Economic Hardship

Kawthar explained the economic pressures that forced their return: “We couldn’t continue to pay rent. We were displaced for more than a year. We used to rely on our land for our livelihood, so that’s why we had to come back.”

According to non-governmental organizations, over 10,000 structures were either heavily damaged or completely destroyed between the onset of Israel’s ground offensive on October 1 last year and January of this year. Erika Guevara Rosas, a senior director at Amnesty International, highlighted the extensive impact of this destruction, stating that it has rendered entire areas uninhabitable and devastated countless lives.

Living Conditions

Kawthar described their current living situation as “primitive,” noting that her family now sleeps in what used to be a cow shed. “It’s difficult living in a place where the nearest grocery shop is a 30-minute drive away,” she lamented. Despite these hardships, the Shaabi family remains committed to their home.

Conclusion

The situation in southern Lebanon is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by many families in conflict zones. With ongoing military operations and a lack of basic infrastructure, the prospects for recovery and return to normalcy remain bleak. The Shaabi family’s experience underscores the resilience of those who, despite the odds, seek to reclaim their lives in the face of overwhelming adversity.

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Key Facts

– The fragile ceasefire in southern Lebanon has lasted nearly a year, but Israeli military presence continues.
– Almost 100,000 people remain displaced due to ongoing conflicts and military operations.
– Over 10,000 structures were reported as heavily damaged or destroyed during the conflict from October 2024 to January 2025.
– Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for investigations into potential war crimes related to the destruction of civilian property.
– The Shaabi family, among few who have returned to their village, faces significant challenges, including lack of education for children and inadequate living conditions.

Source: www.aljazeera.com