Civilians in southern Lebanon endure Israeli occupation and displacement

Israeli forces have established a security buffer zone covering significant parts of southern Lebanon, extending up to 12 km deep in some areas. The military has demolished numerous Shiite villages, barred their residents from returning and fenced off the region with barbed wire. While some Christian, Sunni and Druze communities remain, they live under constant raids, night‑time incursions and restrictions that forbid them from sheltering displaced Shiite neighbours.

Residents describe daily fear and loss. Milia el‑Cheikh, a Christian from the ruined village of Dibbine, said, “I don’t know anything about my house. Nothing is more agonizing than not being able to get to your home.” Hanna Daher, mayor of the nearby village Qlayaa, added, “Now another season is lost,” after Israeli attacks prevented access to olive groves. The conflict began after Hezbollah rockets struck Israel in February and Israel’s subsequent invasion, which has persisted despite a fragile truce tied to a U.S.–Iran interim deal.

Infrastructure such as homes, churches, solar panels, power transmitters and water stations has been hit, and civilians continue to navigate road closures, destroyed property and the looming presence of occupying troops.