South Lebanon after devastation

The New York Times, based on satellite images, revealed that Israeli forces have destroyed 48 villages and towns out of approximately 60 in the areas they occupy in southern Lebanon. Most of these destructions occurred after the ceasefire last April, targeting homes, schools, mosques, and roads, with a clear focus on predominantly Shia villages. Although the ceasefire ended the peak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, it did not halt the destruction and reshaping of the border region, raising Lebanese fears over Israel’s intention to permanently depopulate the area. Israel claims that the demolitions are aimed at Hezbollah’s infrastructure, such as tunnels and arms depots, to prevent their return to border areas. Meanwhile, legal experts warned that the extensive destruction of civilian property could violate international law if not absolutely justified for military purposes. Additionally, around 16,500 acres of land have burned since the ceasefire, including a third of cultivated areas, with thousands of olive trees destroyed, threatening the livelihoods of local residents. Israel denied responsibility for the fires. The areas most heavily damaged were often predominantly Shia, while residents in Christian, Druze, and Sunni regions largely remained untouched, effectively emptying the region of most Shia inhabitants who have been unable to return since the area was declared a "security zone." In the same context, the newspaper noted the establishment of at least three new Israeli military sites, along with roads and bridges connecting these sites to the Israeli border. The United Nations reported that Israel maintains more than 24 sites within the buffer zone, fueling fears that Israel intends to retain a long-term military presence, especially as displaced residents fear losing their right to return after their homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure have been destroyed.

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