More than 90,000 homes in southern Lebanon have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks, according to a government survey, while continued violence has prevented over 600,000 displaced residents from returning to their homes.
Israel has released videos showing its military demolishing neighbourhoods, with soldiers carrying out operations that have continued for months. Rights groups say the destruction of entire villages violates international law.
Resident Hussein Sabra said he can see his hometown of Hadatha, only a few kilometres away, but is unable to return. From a distance, he continues to witness and hear explosions.
“It is hard to watch your homes, livelihoods and childhood memories being destroyed,” Sabra said.
Media reported that the damage has left Lebanon facing an estimated reconstruction bill of more than $1 billion, a cost many affected families cannot afford.
Residents said they are making only basic repairs to make their homes habitable, fearing renewed violence.
“People are only making minor repairs because they worry the fighting could escalate again,” Tibnine resident Ahmed Hamza said.
Even those who have returned remain fearful.
“The children are always frightened by the explosions. The whole house shakes,” said another Tibnine resident, Abu Hussein.
