Lebanon’s Post-War: Return to Normalcy for Nabatiyeh Residents
The Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh is slowly returning to a sense of normalcy, marking the beginning of a period of reconstruction and hope after months of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Residents and business owners have stepped up to clear debris and rebuild their businesses, demonstrating their resilience and determination to recover.
Jabal Nasr, a café owner, was among the first to return to his shop and begin the cleanup process. His courage and optimism reflect the spirit of solidarity in Nabatiyeh and across southern Lebanon. Like him, thousands of Lebanese are returning to check on their properties following the US-mediated truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
Intensive Israeli airstrikes over the past two months have devastated many neighborhoods in eastern and southern Lebanon, as well as in Beirut’s southern suburbs, predominantly Shiite areas where Hezbollah has strong support. Nearly 1.2 million people have been displaced, leaving behind shattered lives and damaged property.
The truce, announced last Wednesday, has brought a breath of optimism to many in southern Lebanon, including fishermen who now see the possibility of resuming their activities. Indeed, during the fighting, Israel had imposed a siege on southern Lebanon, leaving many fishermen deprived of their livelihoods and resources.
The return of fishermen to the sea is an encouraging sign for the future of the fishing industry along Lebanon’s southern coast. Despite the material loss, the reopening of ports offers a glimmer of hope for these seafarers, who are counting on peace and stability to rebuild their lives and businesses.
Among those who set sail again on Friday was Walid Darwish, returning to port with two boxes full of freshly caught mullet. His story symbolises the gradual return to normalcy and the daily routine of the fishermen, hoping that the days of uncertainty and terror are now a thing of the past.
In conclusion, Lebanon is gradually rising from the rubble of war, showing admirable resilience and unwavering determination. The return to normalcy for the residents of Nabatiyeh and surrounding towns marks the beginning of a new era of hope, reconstruction and resilience, ready to build a better future despite the challenges that stand in their way.