Amidst the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah, displaced Lebanese citizens have begun the perilous journey back to their homes. In the early hours, families hastily packed belongings—clothes, blankets, and mattresses—before heading southwards. This wave of returnees didn’t wait to gauge the sustainability of the ceasefire, which had just come into effect, as they drove back on the main road from Beirut, eager to return to familiar streets. Carrying banners and flags, many expressed unwavering support for Hezbollah, while others displayed images of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of the group who had been killed during Israeli airstrikes two months earlier.
This resurgence of civilian life marked a moment of elation for the returnees. An individual named Abu Ali proclaimed, “What happened is very good. This is a victory for the resistance,” referring to the ceasefire established through mediation by the United States and France. He lamented the losses felt by communities due to ongoing conflict but reinforced a sense of pride in Hezbollah’s resistance against Israel. Indeed, Abu Ali’s destination was the village of Houla, a location perilously close to the Israeli border. Yet, uncertainties loomed large, with Israeli troops still stationed in proximity, casting doubts on the status of his home.
The implemented ceasefire grants a tentative respite in a long-standing conflict, allowing for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces alongside Hezbollah’s fighters and their armaments from the southern regions of Lebanon. The Lebanese army has signaled its bolstered presence by deploying an additional 5,000 soldiers to support law and order in these contentious areas. Notably, both Israel and Hezbollah have prepared to react to any breaches of this fragile agreement, underscoring the tenuous nature of the situation at hand.
The ceasefire emerges as a critical lifeline intended to stem over a year of escalating violence, which saw a marked increase with intense Israeli air strikes, targeted assassinations of Hezbollah leaders, and a full-scale ground invasion. Israel’s objectives have emphasized the necessity of pushing Hezbollah away from its borders to mitigate attacks that threaten northern Israeli communities. Nevertheless, the humanitarian toll has been staggering, with over one million individuals displaced, predominantly from Shia-majority regions and other strongholds of Hezbollah influence, including the eastern Bekaa Valley and Dahieh neighborhood in Beirut.
Despite warnings echoing from Israeli and Lebanese authorities about the risks of returning home, many chose to defy such advisories. One such returnee, Fatma Balhas, en route to her town of Seddiqine, expressed a sentiment that transcended material concerns. “It doesn’t matter if the house is still intact or not, the important thing is that we are returning, thanks to the blood of our martyr Nasrallah,” she stated, capturing the emotional and ideological complexities shaping the returnees’ narratives. Furthermore, media outlets aligned with Hezbollah hailed this return of citizens as a clear sign of victory in the ongoing struggle.
Traffic disruptions were noted along major thoroughfares, as countless cars surged towards southern regions. Nevertheless, just outside military checkpoints, armed personnel reminded returning families about the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance in the area, urging caution and reporting incidents. As evening descended, initial observations indicated that the ceasefire remained largely intact. The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, described it as “the first ray of hope for peace amid the darkness of the past months,” highlighting the arduous journey ahead for Lebanon.
The aftermath of the war has left deep scars on Lebanese society, with the path toward recovery appearing lengthy and fraught with difficulty. While Hezbollah, despite its diminished capacity, continues to enjoy considerable public support, the broader implications for Lebanon’s stability remain uncertain. In reflecting on the situation, it becomes apparent that although a truce exists, the underlying crises are far from resolved, underscoring the complex and volatile tapestry of this region.
