Israeli Shelling Violates Ceasefire in South Lebanon Region

Lebanese Families Return Home Amid Ongoing Israeli Shelling and Demolitions

Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese families have begun returning home despite ongoing reports of Israeli shelling and demolitions near Lebanon’s southern border. According to eyewitnesses, cars loaded with belongings continued to stream south on Saturday as families checked if their homes remained intact.

Preliminary assessments by Lebanese authorities found that nearly 40,000 homes had been destroyed or damaged in the conflict. Beirut’s southern suburbs were among the worst-hit areas, followed by districts across southern Lebanon.

A 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday night, raising hopes of a pause after 46 days of intensified Israeli attacks. However, uncertainty remains amid widespread destruction and Israeli warnings against returning to parts of southern Lebanon.

Israeli bulldozers continued demolition and land-clearing operations in several areas of southern Lebanon, while artillery shelled areas around Beit Lif, al-Qantara, and Toul. Residents living closest to the border with Israel have largely been unable to return due to damage to bridges linking areas south of the Litani River with the rest of Lebanon.

Israeli officials stated that they would remain in control of 55 towns and villages, citing a “yellow line” security zone extending up to 10km from the border. This zone allows for the deployment of heavy artillery and armour into Lebanon.

Rare face-to-face talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to resume in the coming days, with both sides having different priorities. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday to discuss security and diplomatic developments, including efforts to consolidate the ceasefire.

The government’s decision to engage in talks with Israel has sparked tensions with Hezbollah, which insists its weapons are necessary for defence. The group has linked the ceasefire to broader regional diplomacy involving Iran, with parallel negotiations expected between the US and Iran in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera