Story perspectives

Southern Lebanon Residents Return Home Amid Rubble, Explosions

4/23/2026

Left

Mother Returns Home

A mother of twin infants drove through broken roads at dawn on April 17 to reach her home in Nabatieh al-Fawqa.
Displaced residents began returning to heavily damaged neighborhoods in southern Lebanon, though houses remain ruined and electricity is still absent.
She said the streets were littered with glass and sand, making travel hazardous.
Loud explosions continued through the night, suggesting Israeli forces were still targeting nearby areas.

Right

Katz Warns Demolitions

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said border zone is cleared of terrorists and warned demolitions will continue to erase outposts.
Displaced Lebanese residents returned to heavily damaged neighborhoods in southern Lebanon as the cease-fire held, though fighting continued nearby.
UNIFIL spokesperson Tilak Pokharel reported they have observed demolitions in areas since the truce began.
President Joseph Aoun announced Lebanese ambassadors will demand halt to Israeli demolitions during cease-fire talks.

Center

Israel Targets Journalists

Israeli strikes near al-Tayri injured journalist Zeinab Faraj and trapped Amal Khalil under rubble, delaying rescue.
Displaced Lebanese residents began returning to heavily damaged neighborhoods in southern Lebanon despite ongoing conflict.
Lebanon's health ministry said Israel fired a sound grenade and ammunition at rescuers, hindering aid.
2,400+ died after Israel's offensive after Hezbollah's March 2 attack, with three journalists killed March.

History

Historical Context

The 1982 Lebanon War began on June 6, when Israel invaded Lebanon to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) following an assassination attempt on its ambassador. The conflict resulted in over 17,000 casualties and significant destruction in Beirut, leading to the rise of Hezbollah. Today, as displaced residents return to southern Lebanon, they confront ongoing military threats and hazardous conditions.

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Mother Returns Home

A mother of twin infants drove through broken roads at dawn on April 17 to reach her home in Nabatieh al-Fawqa.
Displaced residents began returning to heavily damaged neighborhoods in southern Lebanon, though houses remain ruined and electricity is still absent.
She said the streets were littered with glass and sand, making travel hazardous.
Loud explosions continued through the night, suggesting Israeli forces were still targeting nearby areas.

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