Maaraka, a Shiite village in southern Lebanon, grapples with the aftermath of recent conflict as residents mourn the loss of loved ones. While some areas celebrate Hezbollah’s claims of victory, Maaraka’s atmosphere remains somber, marked by the deaths of fourteen civilians and sixteen fighters. With significant destruction and homelessness looming, the community faces urgent needs amid uncertainty about future aid. Tensions persist regarding disarmament, as the scars of war impact all local groups, including the Christian minority.
The village of Maaraka, located in southern Lebanon, exhibits a fierce spirit among its residents. “The Hezbollah will forever be in our hearts,” declare two young women clad in black headscarves. Their proficient command of English highlights their pride in the sacrifices their community has made, even amidst turmoil. The air is filled with the sounds of loud music blaring from a speaker truck, creating a stark contrast to the recent past.
Returning to Maaraka: A Community in Mourning
People stream along the main street of Maaraka, a Shiite village that just a week ago was under siege by bombs. Residents fled north as Hezbollah fighters launched rockets at Israel from the nearby mountains, while the Israeli Air Force retaliated with heavy bombardment, including on Maaraka itself.
With the war now concluded, residents are returning, but not without facing the grim task of mourning their dead. In Maaraka, fourteen civilians and sixteen fighters lost their lives, with eleven laid to rest today. While celebrations erupted in other Shiite areas, the atmosphere remains somber here. Many locals sport yellow Hezbollah flags, yet their expressions reveal a profound shock, indicating that this conflict has deeply affected Lebanon’s Shiite population.
The Ongoing Struggles of the Shiite Community
The Shiite community, which forms the backbone of Hezbollah, has a long tradition of sending their sons into battles. Images of revered martyrs line the streets, a testament to their sacrifices. The summer war of 2006 is celebrated as a divine victory, a stark contrast to the current sentiments following recent conflicts.
Although Hezbollah has proclaimed another divine victory under new leadership, the enthusiasm has not resonated with the villagers, who are grappling with the repercussions of war. “We have lost up to sixty houses and apartment blocks,” laments Hassan Dabouk, the mayor of Tyros, the coastal city’s leader. With winter approaching, he stresses the urgent need for solutions to address the dire circumstances facing thousands of homeless residents.
Hezbollah’s financial capabilities are limited compared to the post-2006 war period, and international aid remains uncertain, as wealthier Gulf states demand reforms before extending support. The militia maintains that it is cooperating with the Lebanese army to uphold the ceasefire, yet contentious issues linger, including disarmament and the withdrawal of fighters from southern Lebanon.
The toll of the war is becoming increasingly evident, with estimates suggesting Hezbollah may have lost as many as 4,000 fighters. The community feels the weight of these losses, especially with the death of long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was more than just a figurehead. His absence leaves a void, with many still clinging to his image as they navigate the aftermath of devastation.
In the heart of Tyros, a restaurant owner faces the harsh reality of rebuilding for the fifth time, reflecting the ongoing struggles of the people. The question of whether Hezbollah has truly emerged victorious is met with a shrug and a bittersweet smile.
Meanwhile, access to border villages remains sealed off by the Lebanese army, leaving many in uncertainty regarding their return. The Christian minority in southern Lebanon, who largely wanted to avoid involvement in the conflict, express their desire to see Hezbollah disarmed and are prepared to take action if necessary. The aftermath of war has left scars on all communities, highlighting the complex landscape of emotions and challenges faced in the region.