Key facts
- Residents of southern Lebanon returned to their villages following a US-Iran ceasefire announcement.
Residents of southern Lebanon returned to their villages cautiously after a US-Iran ceasefire announcement, facing unexploded ordnance and Israeli troops remaining in occupied areas. The fragile truce followed a conflict that claimed thousands of lives and destroyed numerous homes, leaving many uncertain about the lasting peace.
The cautious return of Lebanese residents highlights the deep-seated distrust and ongoing risks following a protracted conflict, underscoring the fragility of peace and the immediate challenges of reconstruction and security in the region.
Residents of southern Lebanon returned to their villages with caution following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire, facing immediate dangers from unexploded ordnance and the continued presence of Israeli troops in occupied areas. The fragile truce, the third declared in less than two months, was met not with jubilation but with apprehension by war-weary Lebanese.
Upon arrival, some residents discovered explosive-laden vehicles left by Israeli forces, while others were warned by the Lebanese army and civil defense not to return due to the ongoing nature of the conflict. Israeli shelling continued in some areas, particularly south of Nabatieh, as people attempted to reach their homes. The war, which lasted just over 100 days, claimed nearly 3,800 lives in Lebanon and resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and shops, displacing over a million people.
Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, stated that Israeli troops would not withdraw from the designated 'security zone' along the border, which has expanded in recent weeks. Israel also reserved the right to respond to any Hezbollah attacks, suggesting continued freedom of movement in Lebanon. Hezbollah and its backer, Tehran, warned against a repeat of previous ceasefire violations, emphasizing that the fundamental issues that led to the conflict remained unresolved.
Many returnees found their homes flattened by bombs, with no clear understanding of when or why the destruction occurred. The question of reconstruction, both material and spiritual, remains uncertain as the true end of the war is unclear. For those whose villages are still occupied and demolished, the conflict will not truly end until their land is free.