URGENT UPDATE: Israeli military forces have intensified air strikes across southern Lebanon, prompting a new wave of displacement among residents. Just hours ago, the Israeli army warned via social media that it would target Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, leading families in border villages to flee their homes once again.
“Our suitcase is always ready in case we have to leave,” said Rim, a terrified resident from southern Lebanon. Nearly a year after a ceasefire ended the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the situation remains dire, with Israeli strikes killing over 300 people since November 27, 2024.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the ongoing conflict has forcibly displaced around 1.4 million people, making it impossible for many to return home. The relentless bombardment has devastated civilian infrastructure and public services, leaving communities in ruins.
The World Bank estimates that damage from the conflict exceeds $11 billion, with the housing sector bearing the brunt of the destruction. Reconstruction efforts are stagnating due to political instability and a lack of resources, as Hezbollah struggles to assist its supporters.
On September 4, 2025, air strikes targeted building material warehouses in Ansariyeh, about 20 kilometers south of Saida, destroying crucial equipment for rebuilding efforts. “Any hope of resuming reconstruction is repeatedly shattered,” lamented Marwan, a local resident who lost his home in the conflict.
Many residents are facing harsher realities. Mohammed, a farmer in Yater, returned to find all his livestock dead due to Israeli air strikes. “By destroying our means of livelihood, they prevent us from returning home. We can no longer work,” he stated, indicating the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict.
In Kfarchouba, Tamimi, a shepherdess, voiced her frustration. “Israel is preventing us from accessing our lands,” she said, recounting how she can no longer graze her flock due to the threat of sniper fire from Israeli forces.
Life in Khyam, a heavily bombed village, has drastically changed. Nabil, a butcher, returned alone to reopen his shop, leaving his family in a safer area. “Someone has to work,” he said, though his shop now sees far fewer customers than before.
Residents live under constant psychological strain as Israeli air strikes continue to intensify. Mona, a 60-year-old local, described the fear that permeates daily life. “That is our daily life,” she sighed, reflecting on the relentless tension.
Beyond physical destruction, emotional scars run deep. Hoda returned to her home to find it vandalized with Hebrew graffiti. “The Israelis occupied our houses and soiled them,” she said, highlighting the psychological impact of the ongoing occupation.
On a broader scale, the US is pushing for an economic initiative aimed at stabilizing the region, but local officials warn it could lead to forced expropriation of land. “This plan aims to force people to permanently leave their lands,” said Ahmad Ghanem, a local official.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah remains defiant. Its deputy leader, Naim Qassem, reiterated on Tuesday, “We will not give up our weapons.” This sentiment resonates deeply among residents, with many viewing Hezbollah as their only protection against Israeli aggression.
As tensions escalate, the UN continues to monitor the situation, with Unifil reporting over 7,000 Israeli air violations since the ceasefire began. The effectiveness of this peacekeeping force remains in question, as many locals express distrust and fear of what a withdrawal could mean.
In Khyam, an elderly woman voiced a sentiment shared by many: “How can we allow a colonizer to occupy our lands? Even with martyrs, we will not leave.” The cycle of violence continues to loom large over southern Lebanon, with residents caught in a seemingly unending struggle for survival and dignity.
This developing situation highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and international intervention to address the ongoing crisis in southern Lebanon.
