Defying imposed war and evacuation orders, South Lebanon people turn adversity into strength

By Hiba Morad

In the face of repeated Israeli aggressions against Lebanon, the people of the country’s southern region have not been broken – they have been transformed.

Rather than surrendering to gloom and despair, these people have forged unity and resilience, turning adversity into strength, as many of them told the Press TV website.

Among those who chose to stay is Abou Haidar, who said he remained in South Lebanon to offer whatever help he could to his countrymen amid daily acts of Zionist aggression.

He described the Israeli assaults not as a force of destruction, but as a crucible.

“These acts of aggression have built our resilience, our character, and our inner strength,” he told the Press TV website from his damaged home in South Lebanon.

For Mohammad, who also stayed back, the thunder of Israeli aerial raids did not shake his spirit or force him to abandon his home and belongings.

“As long as I breathe the air of South Lebanon, I am happy and satisfied,” he noted.

His sentiment echoes widely in this part of the country, with many others expressing the same unwavering attachment to their land amid daily bombings.

When a ceasefire was declared in mid-April, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians streamed back to the south. What they found was a landscape of stark contrasts: some homes still standing, others with shattered window glass scattered across half-intact floors.

Some returned to find only piles of rubble – remnants of what were once warm and welcoming homes – and began sifting through the debris in search of memories.

But the ceasefire proved fragile. Unsurprisingly, the Israeli military resumed its attacks on dozens of towns across South Lebanon and the Western Bekaa area, damaging homes and claiming the lives of civilians and paramedics.

The airstrikes and new evacuation orders for numerous villages, and widespread destruction have rendered entire areas uninhabitable, driving thousands once again into displacement.

Yet amidst the chaos, thousands have made a different and difficult choice: to stay. They remain not merely as survivors, but as pillars of support for those determined to hold their ground despite threats and orders to evacuate.

In places like Nabatiyeh, Tyr, and the surrounding villages and towns, these steadfast residents are playing a vital role – offering shelter, supplies, and solidarity – proving that even in the shadow of repeated aggression, the human spirit can refuse to be uprooted.

This land is our land

This is the third war Abou Haidar has witnessed in Nabatiyeh. Through all three Israeli-launched aggressive wars – 2006, 2024, and 2026 – he never once left his village.

“It is our basic right to live in our country peacefully,” he told the Press TV website, his voice carrying the weight of decades of endurance.

“As we sing in our national anthem, ‘All of us! For the homeland, for the glory, for the flag!’ We never usurped anyone’s land. This is our homeland, and we will not leave here unless over our dead bodies.”

His decision to stay was not born of fatalism, but of resolute purpose. He chose to remain to serve others who decided to remain as well. He helps the young and the old, ensuring they have what they need: water, food, and medicine.

“Water, food and medicine are the main elements to staying steadfast. I have a motorcycle, and I can move around easily, so I decided to help those who have no means of transportation or are elderly. We also try to encourage one another, spread positive vibes and heighten our morale,” he told the Press TV website.  

According to Abou Haidar, war is a tough journey, but not one without meaning

“Of course, being displaced is also another form of resistance – to endure and be patient and allow the resistance to carry out its duty in confronting the usurper regime, especially in the frontline villages of South Lebanon,” he remarked.

“But as long as we know and believe we are facing a cruel enemy that is trying to steal our land and destroy our tiny dreams of living with our families and friends peacefully on our own land, and we have the chance to stay and help, we are willing to take this journey and enjoy it too!”

Across South Lebanon, hundreds of young Lebanese men and women have built what they call a “support system” for civilians who, unfortunately, do not receive enough social services or aid from the Lebanese government.

Abou Haidar is one of them – a young man who believes that the imposed war cannot break the Lebanese people or their will to resist the enemy.

“For years, the US has tried its best to weaken the Lebanese army and the Lebanese system, probably thinking this might help Israel in defeating us easily,” he said.

“But what they do not know is this: our will and determination cannot be defeated. If there is no system, we create our system.”

That system, he hastened to add, is built on solidarity and skill.

“We all provide each other with services in our areas of expertise. For instance, I am a plumber. I provide free services to anyone during the war. That is my share in this battle. The doctors, pharmacists, gardeners, drivers – all are Lebanese civilians willing to help their society in times of hardship.”

My ‘hero’ minivan

Mohammad Maatouk from Tyr told the Press TV website that they are there to help the people who chose to defy the Zionist occupation, risking their lives.

"We are here to serve the steadfast people. If we die, we die with dignity – we get martyred on our own land. As long as we breathe the air of South Lebanon, we are happy and satisfied. And the Israeli enemy must know that if it wants to occupy our land, this will only happen if we are all martyred," he stated.

Mohammad uses what he dubs his 'hero' minivan to distribute food and medicine to his neighbors and friends in the village – a measure aimed at reducing unnecessary movement and increasing caution under such dangerous circumstances.

"Israel has been butchering civilians, mostly elderly citizens, women and children, across Lebanon, mainly the South, violating all human rights norms and war protocols ever since its illegal establishment," Mohammad said.

"But we are not afraid. We believe we have wise leadership, a strong and patient resistance, and a resilient people. We will forever be alive—whether living our daily lives and resisting occupation, or winning as martyrs."

Cooking with love

In the village of Kfardounin, Taghreed wakes every day to bake fresh bread on her saj – a hot, convex metal griddle that rapidly cooks paper-thin dough in less than a minute per side until bubbly and charred.

"We have made a decision to remain steadfast and show the enemy that we have a strong belief: this land is our land, and nothing will stop us from living here – not even the Israeli lunatics," she told the Press TV website.

"Not only have we decided to stay here, but we have created a system of social service and welfare. We, the civilians who decided to remain despite the Israeli continuous raids and bombardment, help one another and make sure we all have sustenance."

She takes a puff of her cigarette and laughs. "I bake with so much love that it can beat the sounds of raids and bombs. I feed family, friends, and everyone who smells my bread."

"It is like we are no longer just people of the same land—we have become one big family, united to protect our home: Lebanon," she added.

Taghreed also shared that among her daily activities is praying for the resistance fighters.

"We have a strong belief that we will win this war, just like martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah promised us," she remarked with an air of confidence.

No one can kick us out

Teenagers in Lebanon have grown enough to become young, responsible men in times of war, maturing beyond their years.

Speaking to the Press TV website, Haidar Karrar said: "I know you might think I am young, but I am big at heart and mind. I distribute food, water, diapers, and all sorts of daily needs to the people who have decided not to leave, but rather remain steadfast. Our determination is louder than any words. This land is our land, and no one can kick us out."

Karrar, who decided to stay with his family in Abbasiyeh, added: "I am challenging the Israeli enemy today – either victory or martyrdom. In fact, we should thank Israel for turning us, the young generation, into aware and genuine people."

"Living with dignity or becoming happy martyrs" is the popular sentiment that resonates deeply among the steadfast people of South Lebanon. It has deep roots in their intrinsic and religious beliefs regarding the fight against injustice.

It is either victory or martyrdom. And in both cases, according to them, it is a win-win equation. They have nothing to lose.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk