Lebanese civilians return home as fragile ceasefire takes hold
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Displaced Lebanese citizens have started returning to the southern regions of the country following a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered with support from the United States and France.
The truce, which came into effect in the early hours of Wednesday, has raised cautious optimism among those affected by weeks of violence. However, the situation remains tenuous as military operations continue in some areas, reported Al Jazeera.
The Lebanese army announced its readiness to deploy to the south, reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling obligations under United Nations Resolution 1701. This resolution, central to the ceasefire, mandates that Hezbollah withdraw from the border area with Israel.
The military urged caution, advising civilians against returning to front-line villages until Israeli forces fully withdraw. Despite these warnings, a significant number of displaced people have begun moving southward, some seeing their return as a symbolic victory.
Reports indicate that while there is relief across Lebanon, fears persist about the durability of the truce. The Israeli military, which approved the ceasefire on Tuesday, has maintained a presence in some areas, citing security concerns. It reported an incident on Wednesday involving suspects in a restricted zone, prompting its troops to act to prevent further escalation. Additionally, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Lebanese border crossings with Syria hours before the truce took effect.
In Lebanon, political figures have encouraged residents to reclaim their homes, emphasising the importance of re-establishing normalcy in the affected regions. Calls for unity within the Lebanese government have also surfaced, with leaders urging political factions to elect a new president who can bridge divisions.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army is expected to deploy south of the Litani River within the next two months, while Israeli forces will gradually withdraw. Hezbollah is also required to pull back from the border area. The truce comes as a significant diplomatic effort involving regional and international players, including Iran, which has voiced support for the agreement.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high, with Israel warning of potential retaliation should the terms of the agreement be violated. The fragile ceasefire has drawn attention to broader regional conflicts, particularly the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Israeli forces continued their assault on Gaza following attacks by Hamas in October 2023. Civilians in Gaza face dire conditions, with reports of significant casualties, including in shelters for displaced people.
While the Lebanon ceasefire has been welcomed by international observers, the focus has shifted to Gaza, where efforts to negotiate a similar truce face substantial challenges. The humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens as calls for a ceasefire grow louder. However, disagreements over key conditions, including the release of captives and the provision of humanitarian aid, have stalled progress.
