Asharq Al-Awsat assessed the massive destruction caused by Israel in the southern Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab in wake of the war with Hezbollah.
Even after a ceasefire took effect in November, Israel continued to shell the town and systematically destroy its buildings.
Israeli forces withdrew from the town last week, leaving devastation and rubble in their wake. The Lebanese army and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have since deployed there.
Returning residents and visiting reporters were able to witness firsthand the destruction of Aita al-Shaab where over 90 percent of homes have been destroyed. Remaining buildings and structures were heavily damaged.
The town is completely unrecognizable and unlivable after 14 months of war. Entire residential blocks have been reduced to rubble, while electricity and water infrastructure have been destroyed.
Aita al-Shaab lies in the central sector, southwest of Bint Jbeil city. On the other side of the border lie the large Israeli settlements of Shtula, al-Raheb, Netua and Tal Shaar.
Aita al-Shaab had witnessed constant Israeli attacks since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah opened its “support front” with Hamas in Gaza. Aita al-Shaab was also where Hezbollah had abducted two Israeli soldiers in 2006, sparking a 33-day war with Israel.
Residents have acknowledged that the town is now unlivable. They inspected what remains of their homes after the Israeli withdrawal and decided to head back to their temporary residences where they were staying during the latest war.
They vowed to return to Aita al-Shaab when the conditions are right so that they can rebuild.
The town is home to some 14,000 people, the majority of whom lived there all year long before the eruption of the war. They mostly work in agriculture, such as growing tobacco and olives.
Israel did not spare the crops, destroying the majority of the fields.
Israeli forces continue to be deployed in nine Lebanese towns.
The Lebanese army is readying to enter the town of Aitaroun after Israel withdraws.
The Aitaroun municipality urged residents against heading home before the deployment of the army.
