Life in Israeli-Occupied Lebanese Village Faces Uncertainty as Unifil Mandate Nears End

Residents of Debel, a Lebanese village under Israeli occupation, face an uncertain future as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate nears its end. With UNIFIL's withdrawal, concerns grow over the villagers' ability to secure essential supplies and navigate the Israeli military zones. The National's rare access to the area revealed the acute conditions and isolation experienced by the inhabitants.

Key facts

• Residents of Debel rely on scarce supplies that manage to pass through Israeli-controlled zones.
• All movement in and out of Debel must be approved by the Israeli army, with UNIFIL acting as a mediator.
• UNIFIL's mandate is set to expire in three months, leaving villagers uncertain about their future.
• UNIFIL's head of mission, Maj Gen Diodato Abagnara, shares concerns about the villagers' ability to obtain food and supplies after the mandate ends.
• Many residents have not seen their families for months due to restricted movement.

Sources

• The National