Residents of Dovev, Israel, are slowly returning home after being displaced by conflict with Hezbollah. Carmela Yakuti shares her joy in returning, while many in nearby communities express concerns about infrastructure and the future. A truce was established after extensive hostilities in the region, but anxiety about potential future conflicts persists among the returning population.
On a verdant hilltop in Dovev, Israel, Carmela Keren Yakuti expresses her relief at returning home after fleeing due to concerns over a Hezbollah attack. Yakuti, now 40, emphasizes the beauty of her community and the joy of reuniting with familiar surroundings. Following the conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military evacuated residents, including Yakuti and her family, to hotels in safer areas. Approximately 60,000 individuals were displaced from northern towns, with half of them still unable to return.
The toll on Lebanon was significant, with over one million citizens fleeing in the face of hostilities, according to United Nations reports. Nearly 100,000 remain displaced. A truce was established on November 27, 2024, after more than a year of conflict. Yakuti took on a new career as a beautician during her displacement and expressed her contentment with returning home despite the challenges.
Meanwhile, the situation in other communities along Israel’s northern border is mixed. In Hanita, only a fraction of families have returned, revealing a sense of unease among the residents. Or Ben Barak, a member of the kibbutz, highlights the infrastructure damage and uncertainty regarding the community’s future. He raises concerns about the prospects for maintaining peace in the long term following military actions in Lebanon.
Conversely, Shlomi appears to be rejuvenating, with businesses bustling once more. Yet, interviews reflect lingering fears among residents about future conflicts. Ronit Fire articulates a sentiment of cautious optimism, acknowledging feelings of insecurity despite recent improvements. She suggests that a future war is not only possible but likely.
The conflict’s aftermath sees a complicated return for residents of northern Israel, with some communities beginning to recover while others struggle with uncertainty. As individuals like Carmela Keren Yakuti rejoice in their return, others, such as Or Ben Barak, remain apprehensive about the future of their communities. Despite some signs of life returning to towns, the pervasive fear of future conflicts lingers, highlighting the region’s ongoing challenges. As efforts to stabilize the situation continue, the essential question remains regarding how communities will rebuild and sustain long-term peace.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
