Thousands of Displaced Return to Destroyed Homes in South Beirut After Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

Following the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun to return to their homes in south Beirut. This development marks the end of a period of displacement caused by over six weeks of intense conflict between the two sides.

Many of the homes in south Beirut suffered extensive destruction during the fighting. In numerous cases, residents have returned to find only rubble where their houses once stood. The scale of the damage is evident across the area as people start to assess what remains of their properties.

While the ceasefire has enabled these returns, the situation is far from normal. Residents express hope that the ceasefire will be extended, but there are significant concerns about the fragility of the current arrangement. The fear is that without a longer-term solution, the violence could resume.

The Lebanese army has reported sporadic clashes in some of the southern areas. In light of this, the army has advised residents against making full returns until the security situation becomes clearer. This caution reflects the ongoing risks despite the official ceasefire.

On the political front, Hezbollah has made clear its opposition to direct talks with Israel. This stance is part of broader political disagreements in Lebanon. Various factions have expressed doubts about the future of the ceasefire process and whether it can lead to a sustainable peace.

The combination of physical destruction, security incidents and political uncertainty creates a complex environment for those returning. As the ceasefire period continues, the hope among the displaced is that calm can be maintained and that the agreement holds.