Lebanon residents mourn destroyed homes and livelihoods in Nabatieh after Israeli strikes

Kamal Kamal returned to Nabatieh, a southern Lebanese city, only to discover his roastery and warehouse reduced to rubble by an Israeli strike. This discovery came despite hearing news of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict.

“

When I opened it in the seventies, I was still a young man... now nothing is left. How my life has been spent in vain here!

Nabatieh, typically home to 90,000 people, was largely deserted due to Israel's military offensive and evacuation orders. Kamal, who opened his business in the seventies, expressed profound sorrow, lamenting the destruction of his life's work. The city's famed market and numerous shops have also sustained severe damage, with collapsed roofing and devastated storefronts.

Lebanon's army and Hezbollah have warned displaced residents to delay their return due to the risk of Israeli violations and attacks. However, many who have cautiously returned are dismayed by the extensive damage inflicted on the city's neighborhoods. The municipality has officially advised residents against returning for the time being, citing security concerns.

“

We grew up in this neighborhood. We used to play here as children. And here's where the older women used to sit and chat, the historic Nabatieh market before us... the landmarks that they perhaps wanted to erase.

Despite the widespread destruction, some residents like Rana Nasrallah, whose home was also ruined, expressed a deep emotional connection to their land. Even without homes or work, the return offers a sense of relief. Nasrallah, surveying the rubble of her family's neighborhood, spoke of the landmarks that might have been targeted, yet she remains hopeful about rebuilding.

“

As soon as the ceasefire was declared and before any official (Lebanese) announcement... we got going and came here. We couldn't wait any longer. We came to breathe in the scent of our land... even if there are no homes to shelter us and there is no work, still it's a relief for our souls.