Christmas returns quietly to some southern Lebanese border villages after war damage

Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi    

Moving through the border village of Qouzah in South Lebanon, neighboring the heavily damaged Aita al-Shaab, one could easily believe the town remains deserted. 

There are no holiday decorations and no visible signs of celebration. Between the complete destruction of 36 residential units and damage to around 50 homes, encounters with passersby are rare.

Inside the village church, traces of shelling are still etched into parts of the structure. Yet the altar, decorated in preparation for Christmas, tells a different story—one of residents determined to return despite the devastation.

Nearby Ain Ebel is faring better during the holiday season. 

The village, which endured the war and displacement, escaped widespread destruction. Its streets and homes have embraced the festive spirit, marking the first Christmas celebrated under noticeably improved conditions compared with the past two years.

As night falls, Ain Ebel comes alive with holiday lights and gatherings, as residents fill the village square and the area surrounding its church, sharing moments of reunion and renewal.

Further along the border, the resilient village of Rmeish presents another image of perseverance. Christmas celebrations never ceased there, even at the height of the fighting, and its residents never abandoned their homes. 

Together, the holiday scenes unfolding in some southern villages reflect a broader narrative of hope—a cautious return of life, peace, and resilience to the south and its people.