Carmela Keren Yakuti celebrates her return to Dovev after a prolonged evacuation due to conflict. The Israeli military’s actions displaced thousands, with many still unable to return. While some communities show signs of recovery, anxieties persist regarding future security and the restoration of normal life amidst concerns about potential future conflicts.
In a recent emotional return, Carmela Keren Yakuti, a resident of Dovev, expressed her relief at coming back home after fleeing for over 16 months due to fears of Hezbollah attacks. Yakuti delightedly noted the beauty of her moshav and the stunning views surrounding her home. After an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military urged her and her neighbors to evacuate to Tiberius for safety, impacting approximately 60,000 residents in northern towns, with many still unable to return.
The repercussions were significant on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. In Lebanon, over one million individuals fled from the south, leaving approximately 100,000 still displaced according to United Nations reports. A truce, effective November 27, 2024, followed extensive hostilities, including a two-month ground offensive by Israel, resulting in displaced citizens being allowed to return home starting from March 1.
Upon her return, Yakuti, now a trained beautician, quickly settled back into her home, undeterred by fears of security threats, stating her peace with her decision to return. However, contrasting sentiments were evident in the kibbutz community of Hanita, where only a fraction of families had returned. Resident Or Ben Barak conveyed mixed feelings about returning, recognizing the community’s difficulties in resuming normalcy amid visible signs of destruction from the conflict and military activity.
Ben Barak stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the region, challenging the state to ensure a secure environment for the coming decades. In Shlomi, there were signs of life returning to the town, though residents like Ronit Fire expressed lingering concerns about future conflicts. Though feeling somewhat safer, Fire noted the uneasy anticipation that another war may be on the horizon, reflecting the fragility of peace in this conflicted region.
The return of residents to northern Israel following extensive hostilities reveals both the resilience and challenges faced by those impacted by the conflict. While some, like Yakuti, express hope and gratitude for their homes, others illustrate the ongoing uncertainties and fears about future security. The situation in communities such as Hanita showcases the complexity of rebuilding and maintaining long-term peace in a region deeply affected by war.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
