At least 4,200 people have been killed in Lebanon since the war with Israel began on March 2, with nearly one in five of the dead being women or children, according to Lebanese health officials.
Najib Ayyad, a parliamentary office worker, has returned to his destroyed home in Nabatiyeh, Lebanon, to salvage what remains for his children. His apartment, which overlooks the historic Beaufort Castle, was heavily damaged and is likely to be demolished. The castle, a national symbol, is now occupied by Israeli forces.
Lebanon Invasion Aftermath
The city of Nabatiyeh, a hub in southern Lebanon, has been devastated by war, with most homes destroyed or heavily damaged. Israeli air strikes have knocked out electricity throughout the city, and the sound of Israeli drones is a constant backdrop. The city’s historic old market, once a thriving commercial center, now lies in rubble.
Mayor Abbas Fakhreddin says the extensive damage appears to show Israel’s aim of halting the city’s commercial life. “We are telling people to wait to come back,” he says, “not only because of the security situation but also because we don’t have the necessities of life.”
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The war has displaced nearly all of Nabatiyeh’s 80,000 residents, with many struggling to access basic necessities like food and shelter. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in July that Israeli forces had demolished more than 15,000 homes in border villages to prevent residents from returning.
The conflict has significant implications for the region, with the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon sparking international concern. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the need for a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent.
