Israeli forces continue their systematic demolition and blasting operations that have affected dozens of villages and towns in southern Lebanon, as part of a "scorched earth" policy aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent the return of more than one million Lebanese displaced persons to their homes.
Israel relies on a strategy of comprehensive destruction of vital facilities and life-supporting infrastructure, under the guise of "cleansing and purging operations," using equipment and contracting companies that previously participated in similar operations in the Gaza Strip, according to a report published by Haaretz.
Details of the Event
A report by Mustafa Azrid for Al Jazeera monitored the Israeli occupation army's efforts to impose a "yellow line" in southern Lebanon, which is set to encompass 55 border villages, with around 20 of them already leveled to the ground. The depth of the line is expected to range between 4 and 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, simulating the experience of the buffer zone in Gaza.
Despite the ongoing 7-day ceasefire, demolition companies continue their blasting and demolition work at an escalating pace, turning these villages into areas that will be uninhabitable in the future.
Background & Context
In an effort to entrench the state of isolation in southern Lebanon, Israeli bombardments have isolated southern areas from the rest of Lebanese territory by destroying 10 vital bridges, including 4 main bridges over the Litani River, the last of which was the Qasmiyeh Bridge. This destruction aims to convert the Litani River into a natural boundary for the buffer zone, coinciding with the expansion of evacuation warnings reaching areas north of the Litani River up to the Zahrani River.
Demolition operations have also focused on educational and health facilities, with 56 schools completely destroyed and 120 others damaged, leading to the permanent closure of 44 border schools. Bombing and blasting have affected 15 hospitals, with 8 of them completely out of service, including the hospitals in Mays al-Jabal, Bint Jbeil, and Jabal Amel, amid Israeli allegations of weapons being present inside them, accusations that have been denied by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and international organizations.
Impact & Consequences
These actions aim to solidify the state of forced displacement for over one million Lebanese, including around 370,000 children according to UNICEF statistics. By destroying infrastructure and service facilities, Israel seeks to create a new ground reality that makes the return of residents to their villages nearly impossible, even if military operations cease.
Concerns are growing regarding the humanitarian implications of these operations in Lebanon, where displaced persons are suffering from difficult living conditions, increasing pressure on the country's limited resources. The destruction of vital facilities threatens the future of education and healthcare in the region.
Regional Significance
These events are part of the ongoing conflict in the region, reflecting Israeli policies towards Lebanon and the historical tensions between the two sides. These operations may also affect relations between Lebanon and other Arab countries, raising concerns about humanitarian conditions and the consequences of displacement.
In conclusion, the situation in southern Lebanon remains a focal point of international attention, as the deteriorating humanitarian situation requires an urgent response from the international community to ensure the protection of civilian rights and provide necessary support to the displaced.