Qlaileh Villagers Return to Ruins After Israeli Strikes, With 1.2 Million Displaced in Lebanon
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 19
Qlaileh Villagers Return to Ruins After Israeli Strikes, With 1.2 Million Displaced in Lebanon
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 19
Summary
Qlaileh residents returned on Thursday to flattened homes and shattered streets after a new ceasefire took effect Friday afternoon, with villagers saying most of the southern Lebanese community had been wiped out.
March 2 fighting drew Lebanon back into war after Hezbollah fired at Israel in support of Iran; Israel answered with air strikes and a ground invasion, saying it targeted Hezbollah forces and military infrastructure.
More than 3,900 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced, as Israeli evacuation orders emptied entire villages across southern Lebanon.
For returnees such as 46-year-old Abed Hachem, the destruction was compounded by repetition: he had already rebuilt after damage in the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, only to lose his home again.
A fragile ceasefire exists, yet homes are still burning. Can this new peace deal actually save southern Lebanon from total destruction?
A US-Iran peace deal just began. Why is Israel's army pushing deeper into Lebanon to create a permanent buffer zone?
With Hezbollah defeated and UN peacekeepers leaving, who will stop Israel from occupying one-fifth of Lebanon?
Southern Lebanon in Crisis: Massive Displacement, Civilian Toll, and Regional Escalation in 2026
Overview
From March to June 2026, southern Lebanon faced widespread destruction and instability due to extensive Israeli military operations, as observed by UN peacekeepers. High-density armored movements, large-scale demolition works, and persistent aerial incursions led to significant damage to infrastructure and homes. This devastation directly impacted the lives and livelihoods of local communities, causing the loss of essential facilities and forcing many to flee. The ongoing military presence and volatile security situation have greatly worsened humanitarian challenges, leaving residents vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance.