Residents of Nabatiyeh Return Amid Ongoing Conflict
Nabatiyeh, Lebanon has faced significant destruction due to ongoing airstrikes and shelling, especially after a late May airstrike by Israel. Residents like Aida Jleilati and her daughter have been sifting through debris to locate belongings from their damaged homes. Despite hopes for a truce following a U.S.-Iran agreement, fighting has persisted in the area.
On Tuesday, Jleilati and other locals took precautions to check their homes amidst reduced air attacks after a U.S.-Iran deal aimed at ending the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The strikes, though limited, have still continued.
Jleilati and her daughter, Sukaina al-Muhtadi, once lived in a collapsed building in Nabatiyeh. Searching through rubble, they managed to recover clothes and scuba diving gear, although Sukaina hoped to find her childhood photo album. She realized the building was destroyed back in May through social media.
Nabatiyeh has been bombarded since the early days of the Israel-Hezbollah war. The ancient city experienced catastrophic damage, impacting both lives and property. A beloved market was among the many areas heavily damaged.
“What can I say? All that we have gathered in our life has been wasted.” — Aida Jleilati
Fighting continues
Despite several ceasefires starting on April 17, none have held due to ongoing skirmishes. Israeli troops have advanced deeper into southern Lebanon, approaching Nabatiyeh, significantly affecting this historic trade hub.
For centuries, Nabatiyeh has been key in Lebanon’s religious and cultural history. It’s known for strong ties to Shiite holy cities and played an essential role when scholars converted many in Iran to Shiite Islam.
Over time, Nabatiyeh has been central to religious observances, particularly Ashoura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
Economic losses
Within Nabatiyeh, devastation isn’t limited to homes. Kamel al-Kamel saw his businesses vanish, estimating losses at $2.5 million. Previous wars never matched the destruction faced now.
“Thank God we are still alive.” — Kamel al-Kamel
Some residents, like Samar Zuraik, are coping with personal loss. Her house stands but damaged; however, her son Ali was killed in an airstrike. Without utilities and continued shelling, living there remains unsafe.
“I wish I lost my house and my son stayed alive.” — Samar Zuraik
Human cost
Nabatiyeh’s hospitals have been overwhelmed. The Najdeh El Chaabiyeh Hospital treated countless casualties from the war, with numbers echoing previous conflicts.
Dr. Shafi Fouani stated the war led to around 500 deaths and over 1,200 treated patients. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 3,800 people killed, including casualties on both sides of the conflict.
These tragedies mark the harsh reality of an ongoing war, baffling residents attempting to reclaim normalcy. Israeli forces continue efforts to seize strategic positions around Nabatiyeh.
Despite the danger, local families like Jleilati’s hope the fragile truce endures, allowing them to rebuild their lives in Nabatiyeh, a place deeply embedded in their identities.