Israeli Attacks Leave Dozens of Southern Lebanon Towns and Villages in Ruins

Lebanese civilians say Israeli forces have completely destroyed dozens of towns and villages along Lebanon’s southern border, as satellite imagery and local photographs have confirmed widespread devastation since the war began in early March. The destruction comes despite a ceasefire announced on 17 April, with demolition and evacuation activities continuing afterward. Israel carried out intensive airstrikes and launched a ground operation in the south in response to Hezbollah attacks. Houses, infrastructure, schools, places of worship and farmland were damaged across the border area, underscoring the scale of the military campaign and its impact on civilian life. The Israeli army says the strikes targeted Hezbollah positions rather than civilians. But Yarun, a town just 1 kilometre from the border, was described as completely destroyed. Hala Farah, 33, from Yarun, said she has been collecting photos and video so she can show her children what their town looked like before the destruction.