Fishing communities regain hope after ceasefire in Lebanon
- Fishermen in southern Lebanon have been affected by a two-month siege and ongoing conflict with Israel.
- Following a recent ceasefire, some fishers are cautiously returning to the sea, although fears remain.
- The possibility of resuming fishing activities is seen as a hopeful step towards normalizing life in the region.
In southern Lebanon, the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has sparked a sense of hope among local fishermen, who are eager to return to the Mediterranean Sea after months of conflict and a restrictive siege. For two months prior to the ceasefire that began in late October 2024, fishermen had been barred from the waters due to escalating violence, which significantly disrupted their livelihoods and cut them off from important resources for traditional Lebanese cuisine. Notably, the siege affected not just the economic viability of fishing but also the cultural connection to food staples like sayadiyeh, a popular dish made with fish. Many fishers, including Hussein Sukmani, have expressed hesitance about resuming their activities, citing fear and a lack of security following drone strikes in the area, which tragically resulted in the deaths of fellow fishers just days before the ceasefire was established. Despite these concerns, a few brave individuals have begun to venture out to sea once more, invigorating discussions of returning to a semblance of normalcy and vibrant trade at local ports. Recent reports emphasize the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy, especially in the aftermath of the conflict, as fishermen had already missed the prime fishing season in October and November due to the conflict. Gilbert Spiridon, a local fish trader, reflects on the pre-war days when his shop thrived, hoping for a restoration of those times. As fishermen slowly prepare to take to the seas again, the ceasefire offers them a glimmer of hope for rebuilding their livelihoods and reconnecting with their community.