Israeli Destruction Levels 250 Homes in Lebanon Pilot Zone as U.S.-Brokered Deal Faces Test
Updated
Updated · UPI News · Jul 30
Israeli Destruction Levels 250 Homes in Lebanon Pilot Zone as U.S.-Brokered Deal Faces Test
3 articles · Updated · UPI News · Jul 30
Summary
250 housing units—about 80% of homes—in Zawtar al-Gharbieh were destroyed after residents re-entered the first U.S.-backed pilot zone in southern Lebanon, exposing severe damage to homes, schools, utilities and the village well.
July 21 marked the Lebanese Army's deployment into the village, but residents waited five days to enter while troops cleared missiles and unexploded ordnance left from the Israeli military presence.
Very few people can remain in the village because water, electricity and internet are largely gone, leaving most of its 4,500 to 5,000 residents to spend days there and return to shelters at night.
Funding is the main obstacle to rapid reconstruction, with Lebanese officials weighing a donor conference or quick support from states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar to salvage confidence in the pilot-zone plan.
Aug. 4-5 talks in Rome are expected to be difficult as Israel resists wider withdrawal, ties a full pullout to Hezbollah's disarmament and is accused by Lebanon of continued violations that undermine the June 26 framework.
After finding 80% of their village ruined, can returning residents trust a weakened Lebanese state to rebuild without relying on militia-linked patronage?
With Gulf aid tied to Hezbollah's disarmament, will Lebanon's devastated pilot zones become blueprints for peace or triggers for renewed conflict?