Hezbollah is grappling with increasing internal and external pressure as the fate of over 1,000 of its fighters remains uncertain following the recent war with Israel, Asharq al-Awsat newspaper revealed. 

Families of the missing fighters are desperate for answers, while the party itself faces accusations of mishandling the issue. With the ceasefire in effect for nearly three weeks for now, the lack of clarity has deepened the emotional toll on affected families and intensified criticism within Hezbollah’s support base.

Missing Fighters and Unanswered Questions

The ceasefire has not provided closure for hundreds of families who lost contact with their loved ones during the 66-day conflict. Communication with over 1,000 Hezbollah fighters was severed, and their remains have yet to be found, leaving families in limbo. This uncertainty raises questions about whether these fighters were killed in battle, remain buried under rubble, or were captured by Israeli forces.

The Israeli military has confirmed the capture of several Hezbollah fighters, though it has not disclosed numbers. Reports suggest that around ten fighters may be in Israeli custody, with video footage released showing two detainees under interrogation.

Hezbollah acknowledged the presence of prisoners in Israel through former media official Mohammad Afif. However, since the ceasefire, the party has been tight-lipped, emphasizing that the issue is being monitored. 

Challenges in Recovery Efforts

Efforts to locate the missing have been hampered by logistical challenges and ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces remain in several villages, restricting access to areas where bodies may be buried. The Lebanese Army and the Red Cross are leading recovery operations, with any discovered remains to be handed over to Hezbollah for identification.

For families, the wait has been agonizing. Some have received news that their relatives are "missing in action," with slim chances of recovering their remains due to extensive destruction in certain areas. Others have been informed that their loved ones are "missing martyrs," a term Hezbollah uses for fighters whose fates are unknown.

Fatima, who waited two months for her husband, recently learned from Hezbollah that he is presumed dead, but his remains are still unrecovered. Similarly, Um Hussein continues to await news of her son, missing for over a month.

Internal Criticism and Media Missteps

According to Asharq al-Awsat report, Hezbollah’s handling of the crisis has sparked frustration among its supporters, with some accusing the party of failing to address the plight of the missing and captured.

The party’s media outlets have also struggled to manage the narrative, leading to conflicting reports. For instance, a recent news broadcast claimed that recovery efforts had begun in the southern village of Adaisseh, only to retract the statement hours later, citing ongoing coordination issues with UNIFIL forces.

Awaiting Israeli Withdrawal

The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Israeli forces withdraw from southern villages within 60 days, enabling the Lebanese Army to take over and facilitate recovery efforts. Villages like Khiyam, Adaisseh, and Taybeh remain inaccessible to Hezbollah, leaving the search for missing fighters to the Red Cross and Lebanese military.

Military sources told Asharq al-Awsat that bodies recovered during these operations will be transferred to Hezbollah for DNA testing and identification. Only then will families be informed of their loved ones' fates, providing a semblance of closure after weeks of uncertainty.