In southern Lebanon, a glimmer of hope emerged for many residents following the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, especially for fishermen who have been unable to go out to sea since the conflict escalated. For weeks, a blockade on southern Lebanon by Israel disrupted life, preventing fishermen from launching their small boats from the historic port city of Tyre and cutting off their livelihoods.
While the devastation and displacement caused by the war remain the primary concerns, the fishing restrictions also affected the preparation of traditional Lebanese dishes, such as sayadiyeh (a fish and rice dish) and various fish-based meals like grilled fish served with dips like hummus and tabbouleh. The loss of fish meant a deep emotional and cultural impact on the community.
With the ceasefire in place, some fishermen cautiously ventured out into the Mediterranean on Friday. Boats painted in shades of white, blue, and red were seen by the port as fishers mended their nets, a sign of returning normalcy. Still, there was wariness. Hussein Sukmani, a 55-year-old fisherman, shared that he had not dared to go out since the conflict escalated in late September, describing those days as filled with fear and uncertainty. He was now considering heading out to sea again, though he was waiting to see how the situation developed. Just a week ago, a drone strike killed two young fishermen, adding to the growing unease.
Despite these challenges, some fishermen, like Walid Darwish, were able to make their way back to the water. Darwish returned with boxes full of mullet after his first day at sea in over two months. He lamented the loss of the prime fishing season in October and November, a blow to the industry. The Israeli military had imposed a ban on fishing in a 50-kilometer radius from the border in October, and fishermen are unsure whether the ban still holds.
Though the port area, located in a largely Christian part of Tyre, was spared much of the destruction that affected other parts of the city, the fishing community still faced major disruptions. In peacetime, Tyre’s port is a popular destination for tourists, offering scenic views, bustling restaurants, and sandy beaches. On Friday, Mohammed Hammoud, a local fisherman, walked along the coast, fishing rod in hand. He expressed his gratitude simply for being able to stand in the area, adding that fishing meant everything to him. Hammoud had fished further north, outside the siege zone, during the worst of the conflict.
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At the local market, Gilbert Spiridon watched customers browse freshly caught fish. Before the war, his shop would see a rush of buyers from across Lebanon. Now, he hopes the ceasefire signals a return to the “good old days,” when business was thriving.
As the fishing boats began to set sail again and markets filled with fresh catches, many in Tyre remained hopeful that life would soon return to a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the shadows of the recent war still linger as people cautiously look ahead