Returning Home: Devastation and Uncertainty in Lebanon’s South

When the shooting stopped, Hadi hoped that the war had put an end to his suffering as a displaced person, but was soon confronted with the reality of the damage to his home in the Al-Shiyah area in the southern suburbs.

He says sadly, “When I returned home, I did not expect to see it in such a miserable condition. The windows were broken, the furniture was broken, and everything was not as it should have been. This house, which was once a safe haven for me and my family, became uninhabitable before the damage was repaired.”

The destruction was not limited to his house only, as the entire southern suburb was subjected to violent bombardment during the war. Hadi added: “When I toured the surrounding neighborhoods, the scene was horrific. The buildings were partially or completely destroyed, and the residents were still living under the influence of shock, trying to adapt to a harsh new reality.”

Despite the welcoming procedures implemented at check points in the same area.” On the other hand, a number of displaced people decided to postpone their return, either for fear of a sudden collapse of the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, or because they realize that their homes were completely destroyed and turned to rubble. Hadi expresses his desire to visit his hometown of Aitaroun, but he postponed this. This was after his relatives informed him that his house there was completely destroyed,

What resources and support systems are necessary to aid in ⁢the rebuilding process for​ those impacted by the conflict in Lebanon?

## Interview with a Resident ⁤of Lebanon

‌ **Interviewer:** Hadi, you returned home to the Al-Shiyah area after the ceasefire. What was it like seeing your home after the conflict?

**Hadi:** ​To be honest, it was heartbreaking. I never imagined the damage would be so‍ severe. Broken windows, shattered furniture – my⁢ home, which was once a safe place for my ⁣family,‍ was​ uninhabitable.

**Interviewer:** Your experience wasn’t isolated, was ⁤it? ⁣

**Hadi:** No, the entire southern ​suburb was​ devastated. Buildings partially or completely destroyed, the atmosphere thick with shock⁤ and uncertainty. People were struggling⁣ to cope with ‍this new reality.

**Interviewer:** ⁢Many displaced people are‍ now ​facing a⁣ difficult decision: to stay away or return ‌home. What’s ⁣your perspective on that?

**Hadi:** While ⁣some are cautiously returning, others are hesitant. Some fear the ceasefire might​ break down, plunging⁣ them ‌back into danger. Others, like myself, are delaying ⁤their return because our homes are simply​ gone ⁣-⁤ reduced to rubble. ⁣

**Interviewer:** You mentioned your hometown‌ of Aitaroun. What’s ⁤the situation there?

**Hadi:** Unfortunately, I ⁢received ‍word⁤ from my relatives that my house‌ in Aitaroun was⁤ completely destroyed. The pain of losing my home ‍twice is⁢ overwhelming. It’s a difficult choice to make – to⁢ return to⁤ a place that no longer⁣ exists or ‍to remain ⁣displaced,⁣ yearning for what was taken from ⁢us.

**Interviewer:**‌ Hadi, thank you⁤ for sharing your story. It provides a powerful glimpse into ⁢the ⁢human cost‌ of this conflict. ‌

**We want to hear from you. What do‍ you ⁢think ​should⁢ be done to support those returning home and ⁢rebuilding their lives after this​ devastating conflict?**

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