Destruction of Civilian Property and Displacement in Southern Lebanon During Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Introduction
Renewed fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, which started in early March 2025, has caused widespread destruction of civilian buildings and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. A ceasefire announced on 16 April is still in effect, but Israeli forces continue to hold a border area that goes up to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the conflict has forced about 1.2 million people to leave their homes.
Main Body
The current phase of the conflict began on 2 March 2025, when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in response to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Israel then started a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that their operations target Hezbollah positions located inside civilian areas, and that they follow the Law of Armed Conflict. However, evidence examined by BBC Verify shows that planned demolitions have taken place in at least 12 border villages since early March. Satellite images reveal that nearly one-third of the buildings in the main residential area of Qouzah were destroyed between 3 March and 16 April. Individual cases show the impact on civilians. Joe Elias, a former mayor of Qouzah, reported that his family’s home—built about twenty years ago—was completely destroyed after Israeli forces hit the building. The IDF stated that five anti-tank missiles were fired toward its troops from the location of the Elias house on 6 March, wounding four soldiers, and that the later attack was meant to prevent further attacks. Elias noted that his family had already left for Beirut in February, and that neighbors left the village after Hezbollah entered the area. Satellite images also confirmed the presence of Israeli armored vehicles near the property. In the village of Debel, Houssam Naddaf’s family garden contained a crucifix that was broken by an Israeli soldier, an act that was widely condemned. The IDF later replaced the sculpture with a smaller crucifix and apologized, but Naddaf’s family chose to accept a replacement donated by Italy, which was installed in a ceremony attended by UN peacekeepers and local religious leaders. Naddaf, who is not allowed to return to his home because of Israeli restrictions on movement, described the inside as a “total mess” but said the structure was still standing, unlike neighboring houses that were destroyed. In Nabatieh, pharmacist Mazen Husseini returned to check damage to his pharmacy, which had its front window shattered by a blast from a nearby building. He expressed doubt that the ceasefire would last, stating that his family had not yet returned. Different groups have different views on the reasons for the destruction. The IDF maintains that Hezbollah operates from civilian areas and that its actions are legal. Hezbollah, in turn, has released videos that claim to show drone attacks on Israeli positions within the village. Civilians such as Elias argue that the Israeli response is too strong, pointing to the destruction of roads, water pipes, and electricity infrastructure. Naddaf’s family, while grateful for the Italian donation, expressed concern that the continued occupation and demolition could lead to long-term displacement. International law experts have suggested that the scale of destruction could be considered a war crime, though this remains an analysis rather than a confirmed legal decision.
Conclusion
The ceasefire has stopped major fighting for now, but the continued Israeli occupation of a border security zone and the widespread destruction of civilian property have left many displaced residents unsure if they can return. The cases of Elias, Naddaf, and Husseini highlight the physical and emotional losses suffered by civilians, while the basic security concerns of both Israel and Hezbollah are still not solved. The chances for rebuilding and lasting peace depend on how long the ceasefire lasts and on solving territorial and security disagreements.