NABATIYA GOVERNORATE , LEBANON - APRIL 18: Christians in southern Lebanon observed Easter this year amidst the wreckage of homes and churches destroyed in Israeli military strikes that intensified following the October 2023 Gaza conflict. Despite a nominal ceasefire, intermittent attacks persist, leaving many residents displaced and reluctant to return. The conflict's escalation in southern Lebanon began on October 8, 2023, one day after Israel initiated its Gaza offensive, with towns along the border enduring sustained aerial bombardments and artillery fire during clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The violence reached a new peak in September 2024 as Israeli ground operations expanded, resulting in widespread destruction across border communities. While a November 2024 ceasefire agreement brought a reduction in large-scale hostilities, local authorities report regular violations, with Israeli strikes continuing to target the region. Historically mixed towns like Yaroun and Jdeidet Marjayoun, where Muslim and Christian populations have lived together for decades, now face unprecedented damage and depopulation. Religious leaders in the region noted that this year's Easter observances carried particular significance as symbols of perseverance. At St. George's Church in Yaroun, clergy emphasized that despite the physical destruction, the community's spirit remained unbroken, with congregants holding Palm Sunday processions through damaged neighborhoods. Local clergy recalled Lebanon's recovery after the 2006 war with Israel, expressing confidence in their ability to rebuild once again. They stressed that the destruction had affected all communities equally, with both Muslim and Christian neighborhoods suffering extensive damage. Municipal officials in Jdeidet Marjayoun reported that persistent security concerns have prevented most displaced families from returning. The lingering threat of attacks has particularly discouraged families with vulnerable members from coming back to their homes. This anxiety has dramatically reduced participation in traditional religious events, with Palm Sunday services seeing far fewer attendees than in previous years. The absence of visitors from other regions, who typically joined local celebrations, further underscored the crisis's impact on community life. SHOTLIST: JDEIDET MARJAYOUN, NABATIYA GOVERNORATE , LEBANON (APRIL 18, 2025) (ANADOLU-ACCESS ALL) 1. WIDE SHOT OF MILITARY POST ON HILL 2. VARIOUS OF EMPTY STREETS 3. VARIOUS OF HEAD OF VILLAGE KAMIL RAZOUK SPEAKING (Arabic) TP CAMERA 4. VARIOUS OF EASTER PARADE, TWO MEN CARRYING LARGE WOODEN CROSSSES YAROUN TOWN, NABATIYA GOVERNORATE , LEBANON (APRIL 18, 2025) (ANADOLU-ACCESS ALL) 5. VARIOUS OF DESTROYED ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH 6. VARIOUS OF FATHER CHARL NADDAF OF ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH WALKING ON RUBBLE OF DESTROYED CHURCH 7. FATHER CHARL NADDAF PRAYING (2 SHOTS) 8. VARIOUS OF FATHER CHARL NADDAF SPEAKING (Arabic) TO CAMERA 9. RUBBLE PILED UP ON ROADSIDE 10. FATHER CHARL NADDAF WALKING AWAY FROM DESTROYED CHURCH (2 SHOTS) 11. FATHER CHARL NADDAF INSPECTING DESTROYED BUILDING, LOOKING AROUND 12. MAN WALKING TOWARD DESTROYED BUILDING 13. VARIOUS OF FATHER CHARL NADDAF AND MAN INSPECTING INTERIOR OF EXTERIOR OF DESTROYED BUILDING