Living at God’s Mercy: Inside the Isolated, Israeli-Occupied Lebanese Village of Debel

Residents of the besieged village of Debel in south Lebanon find themselves living under strict Israeli control, relying on UN-facilitated convoys for basic supplies as the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) nears its expiration. Elias, a local shopkeeper, describes the stark reality of an occupied village where every entry and exit is monitored and approved by the Israeli forces stationed on the outskirts.

With empty shelves in his neighborhood shop and no local dentist, hospitals, or data networks, Elias and other villagers in the Christian enclave—which includes Debel, Rmeish, and Ain Ebel—face severe shortages. Movement in and out of the enclave requires prior clearance, submitted through the Lebanese Army Forces and processed by Unifil and the Israeli military. The uncertainty surrounding Unifil's future leaves residents fearful of being completely cut off and potentially accused of collaboration.

The journey to Debel offers a grim view of widespread destruction along the route, with former homes and hotels converted into Israeli military outposts. As diplomatic efforts continue to find a viable alternative to Unifil, residents remain anxious about their future under the looming shadow of Israeli occupation and restricted access to their lands.