War forces Lebanese family to live on boat in Tyre port evading bombardment

Family Takes Refuge On Fishing Boat

A Lebanese family of six has been forced to flee their home due to the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, taking shelter aboard a fishing boat in the port of Tyre. They are facing extremely difficult conditions, trying to avoid sustained bombardment and widespread destruction that has left their home in the Al-Rimmal neighbourhood of the city behind.

Footage shows the boat housing Mohammed Abu Al-Einin and his wife, Nisreen Draizi, with their belongings and mattresses. Nisreen can also be seen washing clothes using a tap on the port pier while Mohammed prepares fishing equipment.

Life Amid Hardship And Displacement

Nisreen lamented the life aboard the vessel that falls short of minimal comfort standards. “You can imagine how hard living on a boat is. You cannot even change your clothes. I am in my clothes all the time; we don’t feel comfortable while sleeping,” the woman shared.

Mohammed said that the vessel belongs to his cousin and that he makes a living by fishing in an effort to sustain the family. “We remained here, and we ate, drank, and tried to move on with our lives. I have two daughters studying at university who still travel to Beirut for their studies,” the man noted.

Speaking about the prolonged hardship of displacement, Mohammed elaborated, “We initially came from Palestine as refugees, and today they [Israel] seek to make us refugees again. But we will not leave as our ancestors once did. We will remain steadfast in Tyre despite the shelling and airstrikes.”

Pointing to his current deteriorating situation, the man complained, “We have been suffering this situation for nearly 100 days. We have many unfulfilled obligations, and our personal lives are on hold.”

Thousands Forced From Homes

Israeli airstrikes on Tyre and across southern Lebanon have reportedly compelled thousands of families to flee their homes.

UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Tuesday that “the displacement order issued by Israel for the entire city of Tyre, including all neighbourhoods and Palestinian refugee camps, will affect nearly 44,000 people, many of whom were already displaced.”

“Despite these orders and the risks associated with them, initial reports from local authorities and our partners indicate that most families will remain in Tyre, with many choosing to stay due to limited alternatives,” Haq added.

Ceasefire Efforts Continue

On April 16, US President Donald Trump declared a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, extending it on April 23 for a further three weeks following US-brokered direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington. A new 45-day extension was also announced in mid-May.

Article by Viory