Al-Qawzah, Lebanon, is a Maronite Christian village in the Bint Jbeil District of the Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon. Located a few hundred meters from the Israeli border, it has now been reduced to rubble. The village, inhabited by generations of Christians, is situated at an elevation of about 750 meters above sea level, making it a strategically prominent point.
Recently, the small town witnessed clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah fighters, leading to its destruction.
Regarding these tragic events, parish priest Father Tony Hanna said in a phone interview with the National Catholic Register, The town's residents fled in terror following the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2023. I remained alone, celebrating the divine mass daily in the hope of their return, until the worsening situation forced me to leave the town last month
According to Hanna, only one out of 88 houses in Al-Qawzah survived. The airstrikes targeted Hezbollah fighters who had taken refuge in the village after the residents had left.
Economic and Cultural Losses: The economic destruction in Al-Qawzah is indescribable. According to a report published in 2022 by the Lebanese newspaper "L'Orient-Le Jour," the local agricultural cooperative produced about 821 kilograms of dried thyme annually by drying 5.5 tons of green thyme spread over more than 12,000 square meters. Father Hanna pointed out that the village's 8,000 olive trees previously produced 50,000 liters of oil annually. He continued, "We know we will not be able to resume natural production for at least five years. The soil must first be cleaned of phosphorus residues
The losses are not limited to the economic aspect. The same newspaper mentioned that Al-Qawzah contains Roman archaeological treasures, including a monastery dating back to the time of Saint Helena. The parish priest fears that the economic destruction will lead to the permanent disappearance of Christians from the area.
Hope Remains Despite Hardships: Despite the enormous challenges, hope remains. Hanna explained, "The displaced Christians are determined to return to their land. They are trying to organize themselves to restore the agricultural cooperative and ensure the preservation of their cultural heritage." He emphasized the urgent need for international Christian solidarity to enable the residents to rebuild their homes and ensure a dignified future for their families. Hanna concluded, "The believers I am in contact with do not intend to give up. Despite their sorrow over losing their ancestral lands, they aspire to revive Al-Qawzah from its ruins, just as Christ the Lord rose gloriously from the dead."