Thousands return to southern Lebanon after the ceasefire takes effect amid warnings, violations, and cautious optimism that shape a fragile truce.
Key Developments
- Thousands return to southern Lebanon following ceasefire implementation.
- Lebanese Army opens routes after Israeli destruction of key infrastructure.
- Israeli violations reported hours after truce takes effect.
- Hezbollah and officials urge caution despite ceasefire announcement.
Mass Return Begins Immediately
Thousands of Lebanese civilians began returning to their towns and villages in the south following the entry into force of a 10-day ceasefire at midnight on Friday.
Traffic surged across roads leading south, with what the Lebanese news network Al Mayadeen described as a “wave of return,” as families headed back to areas they had been forced to flee.
The movement peaked within an hour of the ceasefire taking effect, with buses and private vehicles traveling continuously toward towns in Nabatieh and surrounding areas.
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According to Al Mayadeen, the Lebanese Army moved quickly to facilitate the return, reopening roads and routes after Israeli attacks had destroyed key infrastructure, particularly bridges over the Litani River.
Engineering units restored access to crossings, including the al-Qasmiyeh Bridge, allowing civilians to reach areas south of the river that had been effectively cut off.
Beirut Suburbs Come Alive
Al Mayadeen reported that in Beirut’s southern suburbs, families began returning at dawn, with streets filling with vehicles, celebratory horns, and visible expressions of relief.
According to correspondents, the capital witnessed heavy traffic as residents re-entered neighborhoods following weeks of Israeli attacks.
Similar scenes were reported across different areas, with civilians returning to inspect homes and assess damage.
Violations Reported after Ceasefire
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli violations were reported within hours of the agreement taking effect.
The Lebanese Army indicated that several southern villages were subjected to intermittent shelling after midnight.
Israeli media also reported that rockets were launched toward northern settlements shortly before the ceasefire began.
In response to the uncertain situation, the Lebanese Army urged civilians to delay their return to the frontline areas.
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‘Treacherous Enemy’
The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah called on residents to exercise patience and avoid returning immediately to heavily targeted areas in the south, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The movement warned of a “treacherous enemy” with a record of violating agreements, stressing the need for caution despite the ceasefire.
MP Hassan Fadlallah stated that the Resistance had been informed by the Iranian ambassador that Tehran’s efforts had led to the imposition of a comprehensive ceasefire.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf described the ceasefire as a direct result of the Resistance’s steadfastness and regional coordination.
“We will deal with this ceasefire cautiously, and we will stay together until the complete realization of victory,” he said, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the current phase.
The ceasefire follows sustained Iranian pressure linking any agreement with the United States to a halt in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
(PC, Al Mayadeen)
