In the early hours of Wednesday, heavily packed cars departed Beirut as thousands of displaced Lebanese began returning to their homes in the south following a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group.
The truce, which came into effect at 4 a.m. local time, has brought an end to nearly two years of intense cross-border conflict. The southern region, which endured some of the most severe fighting, is now seeing families reunite with their homes despite warnings from the Israeli military to avoid previously evacuated areas.
“We are going back to Harees, and God willing, we will always be victorious. We are going to remain steadfast against the enemy,” said Ahmad Malik, one of the returnees.
For many, the ceasefire brings a sense of relief and hope. “I am from Maarakeh in the south. I fled to Akkar, and as soon as the ceasefire was announced, I was on the road home by 4:10 a.m. It’s a feeling I cannot describe,” said Yousef Trad, another displaced resident.
Despite the cautious optimism, Israel has warned that attacks could resume if Hezbollah violates the agreement. For now, however, the ceasefire holds, allowing thousands of families to reclaim their lives and begin rebuilding.
