In the war-battered cities of southern Lebanon, the resilient spirit of the Lebanese people shines through as they begin the daunting task of rebuilding in the wake of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The sounds of construction and clean-up efforts fill the air, drowning out the eerie silence left by the departure of Israeli drones and the absence of distant airstrikes.
Nabatieh, Lebanon’s second-largest city in the south, bore the brunt of Israel’s relentless aerial campaign. The once-bustling commercial district now lies in ruins, with every storefront shattered and mountains of rubble lining the streets. Yet, amidst the destruction, the city’s residents waste no time in taking matters into their own hands.
Rebuilding on Their Own Terms
“We started repairs this morning, why would we wait? We have to stand on our own two feet,” declares Wafiq Jaber, the owner of al-Sharq sweet shop. Jaber, like many other business owners in Nabatieh, has grown accustomed to the harsh reality that the Lebanese government, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, is ill-equipped to provide the necessary support for reconstruction efforts.
“We have got used to the fact that the state doesn’t have the capacities to help us. We already have private generators, someone is on the way to bring us water. We don’t need anything from the state, just stability.”
– Wafiq Jaber, owner of al-Sharq sweet shop
The sentiment echoed by Jaber is a common one among the hardworking residents of southern Lebanon. They have learned to rely on their own resourcefulness and the support of their tight-knit communities to overcome the challenges posed by years of conflict and government neglect.
Assessing the Damage, Brick by Brick
As the dust settles, the true extent of the damage caused by the 13-month long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah becomes increasingly apparent. The World Bank estimates that Lebanon has suffered staggering losses amounting to £6.7bn. Months of relentless Israeli bombardment have decimated critical infrastructure across the southern region, leaving much of the area without electricity, water, and mobile phone service.
In Nabatieh, municipal officials grapple with the overwhelming task of clearing streets and assessing the structural integrity of damaged buildings. The loss of key members of the administration, including the mayor, in Israeli strikes has further compounded the challenges faced by the local government.
“Everyone in the municipality is gone and it is slowing us down considerably in the assessment process. The municipality can’t fund anything. We don’t even have a building left – our vaults have been burned. We can’t help anyone in this situation.”
– Hussein Jaber, engineer working with the local government
Shouldering the Financial Burden
For the shop owners and residents of Nabatieh, the financial toll of the war is a heavy burden to bear. Many have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in inventory and structural damage, with no clear path to recouping their losses. Despite promises from Hezbollah officials to compensate those affected, in cooperation with the state, a concrete reconstruction plan has yet to materialize.
“No one has come and spoken with us, all that we’re doing is personal efforts. I can’t handle this financial burden. I will fix the store and see what we will do. Hopefully we can reopen next month.”
– Hassan Baalbeki, owner of a pharmacy in Nabatieh
The lack of government support has forced many residents to dip into their own savings and rely on the generosity of family and friends to begin the process of rebuilding. It is a testament to their unwavering determination and love for their homeland that they press on, despite the daunting challenges that lie ahead.
A Fragile Peace and an Uncertain Future
As the people of southern Lebanon begin to piece their lives back together, the durability of the recently signed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah remains uncertain. Reports of Israeli airstrikes on alleged Hezbollah missile facilities in areas where the group is permitted to operate under the terms of the truce have raised concerns about the potential for the conflict to reignite.
Despite the looming spectre of renewed violence, the residents of Nabatieh and other war-torn cities in southern Lebanon remain undeterred in their pursuit of normalcy and stability. Having endured the horrors of war time and time again, they have learned to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.
“I opened two branches in two safer areas so that there would be something to keep me going if a war happened again.”
– Wafiq Jaber, reflecting on lessons learned from the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict
As the international community watches from afar, the resilient people of Lebanon continue to demonstrate their unbreakable spirit and unwavering commitment to rebuilding their lives and their nation. Though the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, they refuse to be defined by the scars of war, choosing instead to focus on the promise of a brighter future.
