Residents near Israeli-controlled zone in southern Lebanon face access limits and property damage

Residents of several towns along the edge of an Israeli-controlled zone in southern Lebanon say they face movement restrictions, property damage, and nighttime military activity. Milia el-Cheikh, a resident of the now largely deserted village of Dibbine, said she cannot reach her home because entrances are blocked by barbed wire.

She has taken shelter in another village and visits Jdeidat Marjayoun to meet friends.

Daily conditions in border villages Jdeidat Marjayoun is one of several communities visited by The Associated Press where residents described road closures and warnings against hosting displaced people. The warnings have limited contact between neighboring Christian, Sunni, and Druze communities and Shiite residents displaced by earlier fighting.

Lolitta Costantine displayed pieces of shrapnel she said landed in her home during recent conflict. The roof and bell tower of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in the town also sustained damage.

Background of recent fighting The conflict began after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following the start of Israeli and U.S. operations against Iran on Feb. 28. Israel expanded its presence in southern Lebanon, pushing out much of the Shiite population from several villages.

The latest truce, part of an interim agreement between the United States and Iran, appears to be holding, according to the report.