BEIRUT, Lebanon – An in-depth analysis conducted by the BBC has revealed the extensive devastation caused by months of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel along the Lebanon-Israel border. The conflict, though not escalated into all-out war, has resulted in near-daily attacks that have left communities on both sides in a state of ruin.
According to satellite photos, radar imagery, and military activity records, entire communities have been displaced, with thousands of buildings and vast stretches of open land damaged along the border. The conflict began when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions in a show of solidarity with Palestinians, following the outbreak of violence in the Israel-Gaza war.
Data gathered by the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (Acled) and analyzed by the BBC show that both sides have carried out a combined 7,491 cross-border attacks between October 2023 and July 2024. The attacks have forced over 90,000 people in Lebanon and 60,000 civilians in Israel to flee their homes, with casualties reported on both sides.
In southern Lebanon, more than 60% of border communities have suffered damage due to Israeli air and artillery strikes, affecting over 3,200 buildings. Towns like Aita el Shaab, Kfar Kila, and Blida have been particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of attacks causing widespread destruction. The mayor of Aita el Shaab described the town as resembling an earthquake zone, with significant infrastructure damage.
The conflict has also resulted in the burning of vast swathes of land in both Israel and Lebanon. Israeli media reported over 1000 damaged buildings and extensive wildfire damage in northern Israel. Dr. He Yin from Kent State University estimated that Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights have been most severely affected by the wildfires, with agriculture land, farmland, and forests decimated.
Furthermore, concerns over an escalation of hostilities persist, with fears that any further escalation could lead to an all-out war. However, experts believe that both Israel and Hezbollah are treading carefully to avoid a catastrophic scenario.
In conclusion, the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has led to widespread destruction and displacement on both sides of the border. The ongoing hostilities continue to pose a threat to the region, with the potential for further escalation looming.