Arabic version: العائلات اللبنانية تعود بحذر إلى الوطن رغم الهجمات الإسرائيلية المستمرة

Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese families have started to return to their southern homeland despite ongoing Israeli shelling and home demolitions near the border. This tentative homecoming follows a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel, prompting families to travel south to evaluate the condition of their homes. According to Al Jazeera, many returnees found their homes destroyed or damaged beyond habitation, making them hesitant to stay.

The Lebanese army has advised residents to postpone their return, while Hezbollah warns it has its “finger on the trigger” should Israel breach the agreement. Local media reports indicate that Israeli forces continue demolition operations across several border villages, raising concerns among returnees about the stability of the ceasefire.

In southern Lebanon, military and local organizations have been clearing strike-blocked roads since the ceasefire began. Deputy mayor of Hanaway, Mustapha Bazzoun, stated that efforts are underway to restore essential services and facilitate a return to normalcy for residents. He emphasized that while people are returning, they are doing so cautiously and that their return may be temporary until the situation stabilizes.

The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact, with Lebanese authorities reporting nearly 2,300 deaths and over one million people displaced, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. As families navigate the rubble of their former homes, the specter of renewed violence looms, complicating their efforts to rebuild their lives.