In July 2026, the psychological toll of Israel's war on Lebanon is evident as entire villages, including Naqoura, have been destroyed. Following the Israeli military's recent invasion in March, local residents like Ali have lost their homes and sense of belonging, facing an uncertain future.
The Destruction of Naqoura and Surrounding Areas
In February 2025, Ali, an elderly man from Naqoura, described the damage to his home from the Israeli military, which had recently withdrawn after a ceasefire. However, a year later, the town was completely razed, forcing Ali to relocate to a rooftop in Beirut, abandoning the life he had built by the sea. “We had 20 good years,” he lamented, referencing the period of peace before hostilities resumed in October 2023.
The destruction has left over 1.2 million people displaced, with many unable to return home due to ongoing military occupation. The UNDP reported that 11,095 buildings were destroyed during the recent conflict, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Psychological Effects on Displaced Residents
Experts warn that the psychological impact of losing one’s home extends beyond material loss. Basma Alloush from the International Rescue Committee stated, “When a village is flattened... people lose the markers that told them where they belonged.” This loss can lead to deep emotional distress, especially in communities that have faced continuous conflict.
As families attempt to rebuild their lives, the absence of familiar landmarks can lead to a profound sense of disorientation. Davide Musardo, a psychologist with Doctors Without Borders, noted that many displaced individuals struggle to recognize their former neighborhoods, leading to feelings of being lost.
The Broader Mental Health Crisis in Lebanon
Even before the current conflict, Lebanon faced a mental health crisis, worsened by economic downturns and previous tragedies. A 2022 study highlighted high rates of depression and anxiety among the population. The compounded effects of the war, the 2020 port explosion, and other recent crises have exacerbated this situation.
Children, in particular, are suffering. A teenager from Tyre expressed that a part of her “has been destroyed” following the loss of her home. Aya Mhanna, a trauma specialist, emphasized that the destruction of villages leads to a loss of identity, relationships, and memories, which can have lasting psychological repercussions.
- March 2026: Israel re-invades southern Lebanon
- 4,257 people killed in Lebanon
- 12,000+ people wounded
- 11,095 buildings destroyed
- 45% of urban areas in southern Lebanon damaged
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
