Displaced People Returning to Southern Lebanon with Hopes for a Lasting Ceasefire

Lebanese civilians who were displaced due to the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, with hopes that the ceasefire agreement between the two parties will hold. The truce, which was brokered by U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, came into effect in the early hours of Wednesday, sparking a wave of optimism across the region. The ceasefire has raised hopes for a de-escalation of the violence, although many remain cautious about its long-term viability.

The ceasefire deal was a much-needed development in a region that has been ravaged by violence, displacing countless civilians. As the truce took hold, many people who had fled their homes in southern Lebanon in fear of the conflict’s violence began making their way back, encouraged by the cessation of hostilities. The Lebanese military was also quick to announce that it would be deploying to the southern region, which had been occupied by Israeli forces, to carry out its duties under United Nations Resolution 1701. This resolution, which was originally passed in 2006 after a war between Hezbollah and Israel, demands that Hezbollah withdraw from areas along the Israeli border. The international community, including both the U.S. and France, has expressed support for the full implementation of the resolution as part of the ceasefire agreement.

The commitment to uphold the terms of Resolution 1701 is central to the ceasefire, as it calls for Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters from the southern border region. However, while the Lebanese army has issued a warning to civilians not to return to front-line villages until Israeli forces have completely withdrawn, many are heading back anyway. For many, returning home after the prolonged displacement is a symbol of victory, and some people were seen flashing the “victory” sign as they made their way back. The images of civilians returning, despite the uncertainty surrounding the situation, reflect the deep desire for normalcy and peace that so many Lebanese citizens hold.

The optimism around the ceasefire is palpable, but it remains tempered with caution. Many locals and experts alike have expressed concerns that this ceasefire is fragile and that tensions could resurface at any moment. The risk of further escalation remains high, and the fragile nature of the truce has left some people hesitant to return to areas where military activity is still ongoing. In particular, the Israeli military is still reported to be operating in certain regions of southern Lebanon, and evacuation orders are still in place for some areas. Therefore, while some are returning home, there is no certainty as to whether all areas will be accessible or safe for the residents.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a prominent Hezbollah ally who played a crucial role in negotiating the ceasefire, has called on the Lebanese people to return to their homes despite the ongoing risks. In a televised speech, Berri invited citizens to “return to your land, even if you live above the rubble.” His words were a rallying cry for resilience and a call for people to reclaim their homes, even in the face of adversity. Berri also called for swift action to elect a new president for Lebanon, urging political parties to unite behind a candidate who could bridge the divisions within the country.

The ceasefire agreement stipulates that the Lebanese army will gradually deploy to the area south of the Litani River, which borders Israel, within the next 60 days. Israeli forces are also expected to gradually withdraw, and Hezbollah is required to pull back from areas near the border. However, while the ceasefire is holding for now, Israel has made it clear that it will take further action if the terms of the deal are violated. On Wednesday, the Israeli military reported an incident in which it fired upon a vehicle carrying several individuals in an area in southern Lebanon that was restricted for movement. While the incident was resolved without escalation, it serves as a reminder of the volatility of the situation.

As the truce progresses, tensions remain, and the region remains on edge. Israel’s government has indicated that it will take action against any parties that breach the agreement, and in the hours leading up to the start of the ceasefire, Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanese border crossings with Syria. In addition, the U.S. military, which is a close ally of Israel, conducted airstrikes in Syria, targeting a weapons depot allegedly linked to an Iranian-backed militia. These actions highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the broader regional implications of the ceasefire.

Iran, which is a key supporter of Hezbollah, welcomed the ceasefire, with its foreign ministry expressing “firm support for the Lebanese government, nation, and resistance.” Iran’s backing of Hezbollah plays a significant role in the group’s strength and resilience against Israeli pressure, and Tehran’s position on the ceasefire signals its ongoing support for its Lebanese ally.

Although the situation in southern Lebanon is improving for now, the return of displaced civilians is still overshadowed by uncertainty. While many are eager to return to their homes, the future of the ceasefire remains unclear. Both the Lebanese and Israeli militaries are watching the situation closely, and the next few days and weeks will be critical in determining whether peace can hold in the region. As the ceasefire continues, the people of southern Lebanon are left to hope for lasting peace and stability, but with the understanding that the fragile truce could collapse at any moment.

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