A new Al Jazeera film speaks to the head of the Civil Defence in Tyre, southern Lebanon ’ s largest city. Ali Safiuddin is the head of the Civil Defence in Tyre, and in his life and career as a first responder, he has had to come to terms with life and loss. The development has drawn significant attention from observers and officials across the country.

Background

Tracing the events that led here provides important context for what follows.

Although southern Lebanon is officially covered by a ceasefire, along the “ Yellow Line ” – the area Israel has claimed as a security zone – there are still frequent bombings and shelling.

“ Subsequent to the ceasefire, the only strikes that have happened are in al-Mansouri and Majadal [ two municipalities in Tyre District], along the ‘ Yellow Line ’. ” “ Relatively normal ” means that the Israeli military is not directly striking Tyre, the largest city in southern Lebanon.

Of particular significance is the fact that safiuddin is the head of the Civil Defence in Tyre and the subject of a new short film from Al Jazeera Originals, titled The Ones We Couldn ’ t Save.

Analysis

The implications of this development are already being assessed by those closest to the issue.

Safiuddin ’ s career in the Civil Defence, rescuing civilians trapped under rubble caused by countless Israeli air strikes, has accustomed him to loss.

Adding further dimension to the story, during the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, he brought his wife and one-year-old daughter, Lynn, to stay in a shelter underneath the Civil Defence centre, thinking it would be safe.

As the story continues to develop, i was not merely their station chief, I was their father. ” Safiuddin says he hopes the film will show the world the reality of Israel ’ s attacks on Lebanon.

National Impact

The story's impact will be felt at multiple levels — local, national, and beyond.

The recent reduction of Israeli attacks north of the “ Yellow Line ” has given Safiuddin and his colleagues a number of respite.

Of particular significance is the fact that israel has repeatedly targeted Lebanon ’ s first responders and healthcare workers – killing at least 135 of them since the beginning of March, according to the UN.

Adding further dimension to the story, “ We have a pact – if anyone dies before the other, we will keep them alive through our mission. ” In Israel ’ s 2006 war on Lebanon, the Civil Defence headquarters where he works was additionally targeted.

It has also emerged that “ After the war, I ’ m spending most of my time trying to rehabilitate the Civil Defence centre and to spend time with my colleagues, ” Safiuddin said.

Notably, if I give up on this work, it ’ s like I ’ m giving up on my daughter. ” Click here to watch the full film: The Ones We Couldn ’ t Save

What Happens Next

This remains an active and fast-moving story. With significant stakes and wide-ranging implications, the next few days are expected to bring greater clarity on several outstanding questions.