South Lebanon families move into prefab homes amid continued Israeli attacks

The first batch of prefabricated homes arrived on Monday in Zawtar al-Gharb in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh district, as families return despite widespread destruction, a lack of basic services and continued Israeli attacks nearby.

Nine homes were delivered to the town, offering temporary shelter to families unable to afford high rents or remain in displacement shelters for prolonged periods.

Many residents lost their homes, property and livelihoods during Israeli attacks, leaving families facing mounting economic hardship as prices across Lebanon continue to rise.

Zawtar al-Gharb is one of the first pilot areas where the Lebanese army deployed on 21 July following an Israeli withdrawal.

The deployment came under the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in Washington on 26 June, which also included the towns of Sarifa and Frun.

Israel has resisted expanding the pilot areas, citing the "failure of the experiment", while insisting that its military operations will continue until Hezbollah is disarmed.

But the return of residents remains fraught with danger, with Israeli attacks continuing in neighbouring villages, particularly Zawtar al-Sharq.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa made an unannounced visit to Zawtar al-Gharb last Tuesday, where he reviewed conditions in the town and the challenges facing the pilot areas.

Families return despite destruction

Zawtar al-Gharb Mayor Abd Ezzeddine told The New Arab that the nine prefabricated homes delivered on Monday were the first batch, with another expected next week.

"Each home has approximately two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom, and we are working to equip them with solar-powered lamps," he said.

Ezzeddine said families had opted for the small prefabricated homes because some could no longer afford high rents and others remained without work.

He stressed that the security situation remains unstable, with Israeli demolitions, explosions and other military operations continuing in nearby villages, particularly Zawtar al-Sharq, just metres away.

Israeli aircraft also continue to fly over the area.

"Most people are in Zawtar al-Gharb during the day, but the number of families staying overnight does not exceed 100," Ezzeddine said.

"The level of destruction is very high, and many buildings are unfit for habitation. Basic services are also non-existent, although the municipality is working to restore them to facilitate residents' lives, particularly electricity, for which we are carrying out maintenance work to provide it.

"Water is also being supplied by Lebanese army and Civil Defence tankers."

Ezzeddine said the Lebanese army's increased deployment had been crucial in allowing families to remain in the town and had given residents a greater sense of security.

During Issa's visit last week, the mayor said he briefed the US ambassador on the scale of the destruction and the proximity of Israeli forces.

"He saw the Israeli movements with his own eyes, as well as the drones that never leave the skies," Ezzeddine said.

He said he asked the ambassador what the coming days would bring for the Nabatieh area, particularly villages north of the Litani River.

"His answer was unconvincing, saying if the situation were not good, you would not have seen me here," Ezzeddine added.

Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.