Nabatiyeh, Lebanon — In the early hours of Tuesday, Aida Jleilati and her daughter returned to the ruins of their home in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon. They searched the debris left by a late May airstrike from Israel. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues despite a recent U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending the war.
Many residents, including Jleilati and her 22-year-old daughter Sukaina al-Muhtadi, braved the unrest to check their homes. Jleilati managed to recover her husband’s scuba diving gear and some clothing. Her daughter hoped to find her childhood photo album. Sukaina learned about their home’s destruction through social media on May 26. “All our life’s possessions are wasted,” Jleilati lamented.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Nabatiyeh has suffered intense airstrikes. The bustling market of Nabatiyeh experienced significant damage. Bulldozers cleared debris as residents began returning after a deal between the U.S. and Iran on Sunday.
“Can this truce hold?” wondered Jleilati.
Despite ceasefire attempts from April 17, hostilities from Israel and Hezbollah persist. Israeli forces recently advanced approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Nabatiyeh, famous for its century-old Monday market.
The Historical Significance of Nabatiyeh
Since Lebanon’s establishment in 1920, Nabatiyeh has been a cultural hub, deeply connected with Shiite holy sites in Iraq. During the 16th century, scholars from Nabatiyeh influenced Iran’s conversion to Shiite Islam. Nabatiyeh is central to Shiite Muslims observing Ashoura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
The destruction in Nabatiyeh is severe. Kamel al-Kamel, 75, surveyed his ruined supermarket, estimating losses at $2.5 million. “This war surpasses the devastations of previous conflicts,” he said.
Samar Zuraik found her home damaged but standing. Yet, no repair compensates for losing her son Ali, killed in an airstrike. Despite the U.S.-Iran agreement, Nabatiyeh remains dangerous.
Humanitarian Impact
Nabatiyeh hosts three main hospitals, including Najdeh El Chaabiyeh Hospital, which treated hundreds during the war. Medical director Dr. Shafi Fouani described the current conflict as harsher than prior wars. His hospital treated approximately 500 deaths and 1,200 injuries.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports over 3,800 fatalities. Israeli casualties include 30 soldiers and a defense contractor. On Tuesday, artillery shells continued raining down as clashes progressed.
As Jleilati and al-Muhtadi rummaged through their home’s wreckage, al-Muhtadi found a childhood watch gifted by her mother. They plan to return to a Beirut suburb, awaiting a stable truce to take up residence in Nabatiyeh again.
“We belong in Nabatiyeh,” al-Muhtadi stated.