Lebanese Return to Devastated South Amid Fragile 10-Day Truce

Lebanon and Israel Agree to 10-Day Ceasefire

A temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on Friday morning, allowing tens of thousands of people to return to their homes in southern Lebanon that were damaged during the past month of Israeli attacks. According to reports, many residents are eager to return home, despite the Lebanese army’s request for them to delay their return.

Hezbollah has warned that it will maintain a state of readiness, with its fighters “keeping their finger on the trigger,” in case of any Israeli violations of the ceasefire. The group stated that it is wary of Israel’s intentions and will take action if necessary.

The ceasefire appears to be largely holding, but there have been reports of early violations by Israel, including intermittent shelling of southern Lebanese villages. Unexploded ordnance has also claimed lives in some areas.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concern about the potential for the ceasefire to be undermined by ongoing military operations. He called for the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.

The truce comes after more than 2,100 people have been killed and over 1.2 million displaced in the latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict has also resulted in the deaths of two Israeli civilians and 13 Israeli soldiers.

Residents who returned to their homes are assessing the damage and some are pledging to stay, while others are leaving due to concerns about the fragile truce. Ali Akbar Dareini, a researcher at Iran’s Center for Strategic Studies, noted that the ceasefire could ease tensions in US-Iran negotiations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and expressed hope that it would pave the way for sustainable peace in the region. He also praised the mediation role of US President Donald Trump.

Source: Al Jazeera