Few Lebanese families return to villages in south destroyed by Israel war

"We arrive at Abou Chach, which lies a few kilometres from the border with Israel, and, like so many other villages, it has been destroyed by war. We meet a family among a few who have returned to what is still an area of conflict. Living in what they describe as a ghost town, the Shabbi family has to contend with the destruction around them, with the children missing out on their education because the village school has been destroyed."

"After months of low-level hostilities, Israel launched an all-out war in September 2024, with the stated aim of defeating Hezbollah. A cessation of hostilities agreement came into force two months later, which was supposed to bring peace and allow for reconstruction. Instead, Israeli attacks against Hezbollah targets continue, and the presence of the Israeli military in Lebanese territory is preventing nearly 100,000 people from returning."

Abou Chach, near the Israeli border, lies largely destroyed and hosts a few returning families living amid ruin. The Shabbi family lives in makeshift conditions, with children unable to attend school because the village school was destroyed and the family sleeping in a former cow shed after their home was hit by an Israeli strike. An all-out war began in September 2024 and a cessation of hostilities came two months later, yet Israeli attacks and military presence continue. Nearly 100,000 people remain unable to return, United Nations peacekeepers provide limited support, and human rights groups call for investigations into destruction of civilian property.

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