Thousands of displaced Lebanese trying to head home after recent deal aimed at cooling tensions between U.S. and Iran . Israeli strikes on Lebanon have dropped. But homes are in ruins,many stuck in tough spots, struggling to reintegrate.
Near Beirut’s waterfront,just a few blue tents left. Only a handful compared to hundreds that once sheltered those escaping violence. Since Friday's framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon,many left makeshift shelters, searching for homes — mainly in southern regions hardest hit.
A mother from Nabi Chit, a Bekaa Valley village, shared her ordeal. Fled home after deadly March clash killing over 40. She and her daughter bounced around,finally landing at waterfront. With her home gone,she hesitates to impose on friends or relatives for shelter.
Violence escalated March 2, when Israeli forces stepped up operations after Hezbollah's rocket fire. Heavy casualties followed. Reports show at least 4,247 deaths,over 12,000 injuries since conflict reignited. More than 1.2 million people displaced, many crammed into makeshift shelters like schools and sports facilities.
Some returned,others stuck. Ali Saleh, 55,from Jwaya,is one. Fled to Beirut Sports City Stadium, can’t go back—house destroyed. Watched many leave stadium,but he has no choice but to stay.
Rami Mustafa,former security guard and car mechanic, faces obstacles too. Lost job to war, now he and family live in tent at waterfront, trying to save enough for new home. He stressed difficulty finding work now,many businesses shut down .
Some displaced opting to return to villages,even if homes unlivable. Hussein,a father from Qlaileh, salvaged what he could during lull in fighting. Though Israeli attacks lessened,they haven't stopped—reports of drone strikes,military actions continue in region.
Lebanese government negotiating with Israel on rebuilding and return of displaced. Rebuilding timeline murky. Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said Lebanon suffered $3-4 billion in damages since March, on top of $7 billion from past conflicts.
Back at waterfront,mother from Nabi Chit worried about lack of support for still-displaced. Aid dwindled,many reluctant to move to overcrowded centers with poor conditions. Basic facilities,like bathrooms,missing. “It’d be nice to go to a place with a bathroom,” she lamented, highlighting dire situation many face in encampment…
