Lebanese civilians return to war-torn south lacking water

Lebanese residents are returning to their villages in southern Lebanon after Israel’s offensive, despite homes destroyed and a lack of shelter or water as winter approaches. The return begins in villages such as Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun, where families have been displaced by shelling and airstrikes that began in August 2023. They are walking back into rubble, carrying only what they can salvage.

The situation matters because southern Lebanon has been a flashpoint for decades, and Israel’s recent campaign targeted Hezbollah positions near the border. The offensive caused widespread damage, leaving thousands of civilians without basic services. The return signals both resilience and desperation; it also underscores the humanitarian gap that has widened since the conflict began. International observers say the lack of infrastructure makes everyday life a struggle for survivors.

Many homes are in ruins, and water supplies have been cut off. According to local officials, about 70 percent of houses in the affected villages were damaged beyond repair, and only a handful of temporary shelters have been set up by the Lebanese Red Cross and UN agencies. Families rely on bottled water and improvised tents, while children face the risk of frostbite. Local leaders have appealed to the central government for rapid reconstruction aid, and NGOs are calling for an immediate humanitarian corridor to deliver food, medicine, and clean water.

What happens next will depend on diplomatic pressure and the pace of aid delivery. The Lebanese government has pledged to allocate funds for rebuilding, but funding is limited. Hezbollah has also promised to help restore utilities, though its role remains controversial. International bodies like the UN and EU are urging Israel to allow unhindered access for relief workers. The return of civilians could shift the conflict’s dynamics, potentially opening a window for negotiations, but it also risks provoking further retaliation. The international community’s response will shape whether the region can move from survival to recovery.