Beirut — A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force at midnight on Friday, offering a brief respite after weeks of intense cross-border conflict and prompting thousands of displaced civilians to begin returning to their homes.
Long convoys of vehicles were seen moving from Beirut towards southern suburbs and deeper into southern Lebanon, as families attempted to reclaim what remains of their homes after 46 days of fighting. The truce, brokered by the United States, has created a narrow window for civilians to assess damage and restart their lives, though uncertainty continues to loom.
Cities like Nabatieh have emerged as symbols of the devastation. Entire neighbourhoods lie in ruins, with homes flattened, shops destroyed, and essential infrastructure severely damaged following repeated Israeli strikes. The scale of destruction has left many returnees shocked, even as they press on with efforts to rebuild.
Despite the cautious sense of relief, authorities have warned that the situation on the ground remains volatile. The Lebanese Army has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly in border areas, citing risks from unexploded ordnance and the continued presence of Israeli forces. Reports of intermittent shelling and isolated violations of the ceasefire have further heightened concerns.
The truce was announced by US President Donald Trump following high-level discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The agreement is seen as a temporary de-escalation in a broader regional conflict that has also drawn in tensions involving Iran and the United States.
While the ceasefire has enabled the first wave of returns, many families remain hesitant to settle back permanently, wary of renewed hostilities. For now, the movement of civilians reflects both resilience and urgency, as communities attempt to rebuild amid a fragile and uncertain peace.
