The Documentary Podcast
The Documentary Podcast
BBC World Service
Lebanon's Abandoned Lives
29 minutes Posted Jun 16, 2026 at 12:30 am.
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Show notes

People who’ve had to abandon their homes because of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah explain what life is like in Lebanon. A social worker says she believes many people now keep a bag of essential belongings packed by the front door in case they need to leave at a moment’s notice. A mother describes rearranging her daughter’s fourth birthday party because of the threat of missile strikes. Israel’s military forces are currently in southern Lebanon. They say they are there for self-defence and to target Hezbollah’s military capabilities. About a million people are estimated to have left their homes as a result. It’s not clear when, or if, they will be able to return, or whether their homes will still be standing.

Presenter: Carine Torbey

Producer: Nick Holland
Sound: Rod Farquhar
Production Coordinator: Janet Staples
Editor Penny Murphy

(Image: Displaced Lebanese people. Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images)