BEIRUT, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Zahra'a Abdallah, owner of a large tourism project on the western bank of the Wazzani River located at the Lebanese-Syrian-Israeli triangle, recalled her experience trying to access her properties following the truce.

Despite the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, the Israeli army continues to impose entry restrictions to the region in southern Lebanon, requiring prior approval.

Abdallah told Xinhua that she and several other resort owners sought access to their properties, a process that required approval from a five-member committee overseeing the ceasefire, consisting of the U.S., France, Lebanon, Israel, and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The process took three days, and only three owners were granted a brief, one-hour visit. Abdallah, who arrived in the region in an armored vehicle, described the landscape as "unrecognizable" due to shelling and bulldozing by Israeli forces.

"We were shocked to find our resorts, chalets, playgrounds, and swimming pools destroyed. The Israeli army blew them up, bulldozed them, and set them on fire, with debris scattered into the river," she said.

"Will we ever return to our projects, rebuild what was lost, and revive this area?" she questioned with frustration.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France has been in effect, ending more than a year of clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, which were triggered by the war in Gaza.

However, the Israeli army continues to carry out strikes in Lebanon, citing the need to eliminate "Hezbollah threats."

Despite the agreement requiring Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory, Israel has maintained its presence in five key border points beyond the Feb. 18 deadline.

Hajj Asaad Abdallah, who was injured by Israeli fire while inspecting his resort, expressed hope that Lebanon would regain control over the western bank of the river, noting the area was a "vibrant hub that was on the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism's map."

"For two years, we were unable to operate due to war. Now, even after the ceasefire, we are denied access," the business owner lamented, urging the Lebanese government to take action. "We demand that authorities pressure Israel, through the ceasefire committee and the UNIFIL, to halt its attacks and allow us to return."

Resort owners have also raised concerns about the broader economic impact.

"The tourism sector in this region was one of the main sources of income for thousands of families, not just resort owners but also farmers, food suppliers, and local businesses," said Hajj Asaad Abdallah. "Its destruction means significant economic setbacks."

Nidal Issa, another resort owner, recalled that Lebanese investors began developing resorts along the Wazzani River since 2000, and within three years, 12 establishments had been built at a cost exceeding 35 million U.S. dollars.

"These projects attracted about 3,000 visitors daily, hosting weddings, cultural events, and sports activities," Issa said. Those projects also directly supported 500 families and local farmers, he added, "but now, everything has been destroyed."

Engineer Hashem Haidar, head of the Council of the South, which oversees damage assessment and compensation for Israeli bombings, told Xinhua that restoration efforts are underway.

"Compensation will extend to all affected tourism projects, including the Wazzani resorts, once security conditions permit inspections," he said.

"This process will take time, but we are committed to supporting those affected. We urge the Lebanese government and international organizations to assist in the reconstruction efforts," Haidar added. Enditem

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