Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese residents have begun returning to their homes in the country’s south following the start of a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Despite the temporary pause in hostilities, concerns remain high as both sides warn of potential violations and instability.
Crowds moved back into heavily affected areas just hours after the truce came into effect, with many residents eager to assess the damage caused by weeks of intense fighting. In towns like Nabatieh, one of the hardest-hit regions, scenes of widespread destruction have greeted returning families. Many said they simply could not wait, even if the ceasefire is only temporary.
However, the Lebanese army has urged civilians to delay their return due to safety concerns, including unexploded ordnance and the risk of renewed clashes. Early reports also indicate alleged violations of the ceasefire, including intermittent shelling in southern villages.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict remains severe. More than 2,100 people have been killed and around 1.2 million displaced in recent fighting, according to Lebanese authorities. Entire neighborhoods have been left in ruins, forcing some families to reconsider staying. Several residents, after witnessing the devastation, have chosen to leave again, describing conditions as “unlivable.”
Tensions remain high, with Hezbollah warning that it remains prepared to respond to any breach of the truce. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have indicated intentions to maintain a buffer zone extending to the Litani River, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
International leaders have also expressed concern about the fragile nature of the ceasefire. Emmanuel Macron warned that ongoing military activity could undermine the truce, stressing the need to protect civilians on both sides.
The ceasefire may also influence broader regional dynamics. Analysts suggest that a sustained pause in hostilities could ease tensions in ongoing negotiations involving Iran and global stakeholders, where the conflict in Lebanon has been seen as part of a wider regional crisis.
While the truce has offered a brief window of relief, uncertainty looms large. For many Lebanese families, the return home is filled with both hope and fear hope for stability, and fear that the violence could resume at any moment.
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