As talks continue among Lebanon, Israel, the United States and mediators over security arrangements along Lebanon’s southern border, the ceasefire, the deployment of the Lebanese Army and Hezbollah’s presence in the area, Lebanese social media has been flooded with posts showing a gradual return to routine in former combat zones in southern Lebanon.
The videos, which have drawn hundreds of thousands of views, show busy restaurants and shops in Beirut’s Dahieh district, residents out in the streets of Nabatieh, and crowded seafronts in Tyre. Content creators presenting the clips say they reflect the comeback of civilian life to areas hit by recent fighting.
Lebanese influencer Maya Sabbagh posted footage from Dahieh and said, “Look at the atmosphere in Dahieh at night, restaurants everywhere, and the flavors are on another level.” Her video shows hundreds of people lining up at restaurants and packed food stalls. In another clip, Lebanese journalist Ola Youssef Atiwi filmed a barbecue in the middle of Nabatieh and said, “When we talk about the dignity of the people of the south, this is what we mean, look how much they love life.”
Influencer Mahdi Safadi also filmed Tyre’s crowded beach and greeted viewers with, “Welcome to South Lebanon, especially the city of Tyre. My God, look at this view,” adding that the scene reflects the period after the “end of the direct war.” Business owners are also trying to bring customers back, including an Ashraf resident who promoted his falafel shop in Nabatieh, saying, “Although Nabatieh is still empty, the spirit is calm. Our falafel is waiting for you. God willing, everyone will come back here soon.”
