Thousands of displaced Lebanese return to south following ceasefire
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As the ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday morning, thousands of displaced Lebanese began their journey back to their homes in the southern part of the country. For many, this marked the end of months of displacement due to the ongoing cross-border conflict that had plagued the region for nearly two years.
In the early hours of Wednesday, cars packed with belongings could be seen leaving Beirut as residents rushed to return to their towns and villages. Among them was Ahmad Malik, a man from the town of Harees, who expressed his optimism as he headed back home. “We are going back to Harees, and God willing, we will always be victorious,” Malik said. “We are going to be a fork in the eye of the enemy.”
The ceasefire, which went into effect at 4 a.m. local time, has so far held, bringing a sense of relief to the people of Lebanon who had been enduring some of the most intense fighting in years. For nearly two years, cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel had left the region devastated, with bombings, airstrikes, and skirmishes causing widespread damage. The ceasefire announcement came as a welcome respite after days of particularly fierce airstrikes and combat, which had left both sides suffering heavy losses.
Yousef Trad, a resident of Maarakeh in the south, shared his relief upon hearing the ceasefire news. “I am from Maarakeh in the south. I ran to Akkar, and when they announced the ceasefire at 4 a.m., I was on the road home by 4:10. It’s an indescribable feeling,” Trad said.
The ceasefire has allowed thousands of people like Yousef to return to their homes, although many face the difficult challenge of rebuilding their lives in towns and cities that have suffered heavy damage. Despite warnings from the Israeli military urging civilians to avoid returning to areas that had been previously evacuated, many displaced Lebanese are determined to return, seeing it as an opportunity to reclaim their homes and rebuild what was lost.
Israel, however, has made it clear that the ceasefire is fragile and that it will resume its attacks if Hezbollah violates the terms of the agreement. The military issued a warning that it would not hesitate to strike again if there is any indication that the Lebanese militant group breaks the ceasefire. Despite these threats, many residents are holding onto hope that the ceasefire will hold and bring a lasting peace to their war-torn communities.
In addition to the immediate relief brought by the ceasefire, the return of displaced people also signals the beginning of what could be a long and difficult recovery process. Many of the towns in the south of Lebanon, particularly those near the border, have been left in ruins. Roads, homes, and essential infrastructure have all been severely damaged, and it will take substantial resources to rebuild the area.
International aid agencies are already working to provide assistance, but it is clear that the rebuilding process will be an uphill battle. For many, the return home is both a symbol of resilience and a sign of the challenges that lie ahead. Residents are eager to rebuild, but they face an uncertain future as they contend with the scars of war and the possibility of further conflict.
The ceasefire agreement, while bringing a temporary halt to the violence, has not resolved the deeper political and military issues between Hezbollah and Israel. Both sides remain deeply entrenched in their positions, and the situation in the region remains volatile. While the ceasefire has provided much-needed relief for the displaced, the future remains uncertain, with the threat of renewed violence hanging over the region.
For now, however, the Lebanese people are focused on returning home and beginning the arduous task of rebuilding their lives. The end of fighting, for many, has provided a momentary sense of peace, even as they navigate the challenges of a post-conflict world. As Ahmad Malik put it, “God willing, we will be victorious.” But for the people of the south, victory will not only come in the form of military success—it will come through resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
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