As Israel’s hostilities against Hezbollah rages on, the impact is being felt by the people in Lebanon. Yasser Hakim looks at how the lives of fishermen in Lebanon’s city of Sidon have been affected by the conflict.
YASSER HAKIM Sidon “Located on the Mediterranean coast, Sidon is considered the capital of south Lebanon – here behind me where the bombardment has been taking place by Israel. Although it is the farthest tip from the borders it has not escaped the Israeli air raids.”
One of the main sources of income for the city’s residents comes from fishing as small boats can be seen anchored along the coast. Rabie Sonbol is one of many Lebanese who have dedicated their lives to fishing.
RABIE SONBOL Fisherman “I started since I was sixteen years old. I inherited it from my father who was a fisherman, and I loved it more than studying and I still do it till now. I have three children, two girls and a boy. I rely on fishing to cover my living costs.”
This is the sole income for his family and for over 200 fishermen in this small port city.
YASSER HAKIM Sidon “When Israel escalated its offensive on Lebanon the Lebanese army gave orders not to go fishing anymore.”
Rabie and his colleagues are not allowed to sail. They lose money every day their boats lay idle.
RABIE SONBOL Fisherman “It’s a very difficult period for us because we don’t have insurance or social welfare. Our income comes from fishing. We are like daily laborers. When there’s no work, there will be no food on the table. We also have daily expenses to maintain our boats, the equipment, and the nets.”
It’s a tough time for hundreds of families in the area.
YASSER HAKIM Sidon “This market used to be buzzing with fishermen and sellers and a lot of customers buying fish every day, but now it has been deserted completely.”
Only cobwebs inhabit the place now. Fishermen turned to their syndicate for help. But the syndicate’s chief says he has knocked on every possible door in vain.
MOHAMED BOJY Chief, Sidon Fishermen Syndicate “The army has withheld our licenses because they fear for our lives. We abide by it, but the syndicate doesn’t have a budget to help the fishermen and their families. We feel helpless. We want the government to support us, treat us like the displaced. They are given money and food. We should, too.”
It’s been weeks they are running out of savings and the future looks bleak. Any longer and they might have to sell their boats, and homes, and end up in shelters.