Lebanese on the edge of Israel occupation live with fear and rising tensions

Israeli forces have occupied areas of southern Lebanon, destroying Shiite-majority villages and barring residents from returning, while allowing neighboring Christian, Sunni, and Druze communities to remain but under increased fear and isolation. The conflict, which began in March following Hezbollah rocket fire and an Israeli invasion, has led to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, with Israel citing self-defense against Hezbollah entrenchment and Lebanon calling for Israeli withdrawal.