Last Friday, an Israeli air strike hit a car in a village called Froun in southern Lebanon, an area heavily influenced by the Shia militant group Hezbollah. Only an hour after the strike, rescue workers worked to clear away the aftermath, leaving a community grappling with grief and despair. Despite a ceasefire agreed upon a year ago, Israeli bombings continue, with almost daily attacks reported.
Local resident Mohamad Mokdad expressed his fatigue from the ongoing violence, stating, Who is going to help us? after he witnessed the car hit just outside his home. He voiced a yearning for peace, a sentiment common among those who feel trapped by the persistent conflict.
The Israeli government claims its operations target Hezbollah—whose military capabilities have been severely eroded following the previous conflict—but locals sense a different reality. The attacks have shattered the everyday lives and perspectives of citizens, even in areas with long-standing support for Hezbollah.
Since the United States and France brokered the ceasefire, the situation has worsened. Reports indicate Israel has conducted over 10,000 violations, resulting in civilian casualties, generating fear and widespread unease.
While Lebanese President Joseph Aoun promised to disarm Hezbollah to regain state control, many within Lebanon harbor skepticism about the feasibility of this plan. The group, perceived largely as a protector but also as a source of strife, is faced with growing public criticism as the conflict devastates lives and communities.
In visits to towns like Beit Lif and Yaroun, the lingering destruction from the war is evident—many homes in ruins, a sense of abandonment lingering in the air as displaced families continue to search for refuge. The ongoing violence and Israeli surveillance have profoundly affected the community's psyche, leading some to question Hezbollah's influence and presence, as exemplified by the local imam seeking military support against potential Israeli threats.
Hezbollah maintains a stance to protect its arsenal as a source of strength, directly opposing any notion of disarmament. As frustrations simmer, some residents find themselves increasingly vocal about their desire for peace, echoing a sentiment that is both urgent and ever-present amid the ongoing hostilities.
Local resident Mohamad Mokdad expressed his fatigue from the ongoing violence, stating, Who is going to help us? after he witnessed the car hit just outside his home. He voiced a yearning for peace, a sentiment common among those who feel trapped by the persistent conflict.
The Israeli government claims its operations target Hezbollah—whose military capabilities have been severely eroded following the previous conflict—but locals sense a different reality. The attacks have shattered the everyday lives and perspectives of citizens, even in areas with long-standing support for Hezbollah.
Since the United States and France brokered the ceasefire, the situation has worsened. Reports indicate Israel has conducted over 10,000 violations, resulting in civilian casualties, generating fear and widespread unease.
While Lebanese President Joseph Aoun promised to disarm Hezbollah to regain state control, many within Lebanon harbor skepticism about the feasibility of this plan. The group, perceived largely as a protector but also as a source of strife, is faced with growing public criticism as the conflict devastates lives and communities.
In visits to towns like Beit Lif and Yaroun, the lingering destruction from the war is evident—many homes in ruins, a sense of abandonment lingering in the air as displaced families continue to search for refuge. The ongoing violence and Israeli surveillance have profoundly affected the community's psyche, leading some to question Hezbollah's influence and presence, as exemplified by the local imam seeking military support against potential Israeli threats.
Hezbollah maintains a stance to protect its arsenal as a source of strength, directly opposing any notion of disarmament. As frustrations simmer, some residents find themselves increasingly vocal about their desire for peace, echoing a sentiment that is both urgent and ever-present amid the ongoing hostilities.
