Despite a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, many displaced residents in Beirut and southern Lebanon remain hesitant to return home, citing a lack of trust and ongoing attacks.
Abu Haidar, a displaced man in Beirut, planned to return to his village of Kherbet Selem despite the destruction of the last bridge and uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire. He intended to circumvent the bridge closure, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking to return to their homes. Many other displaced individuals in Beirut expressed a lack of trust in Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire, particularly considering the damage to their homes and the continued intensity of the fighting. Several families, including Fadal Alawi, Haytham Dandash, and Ruwayda Zaiter, were residing in destroyed homes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and intended to remain there throughout the 10-day ceasefire, contingent on a longer-term agreement. This cautious approach reflected the ongoing risk of further attacks and the devastation inflicted upon their communities. The announcement of the ceasefire, facilitated by a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, followed six weeks of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in early March. The fighting had centered on the city of Bint Jbeil, a significant location historically linked to Hezbollah’s rise, and involved heavy bombing of southern Lebanese villages and towns. Israeli forces had even been shown detonating entire villages. Despite the ceasefire announcement, some residents remained wary, including Ali Jaber, who expressed concerns about potential Israeli attacks on vehicles traveling on the highway. The situation underscored a tense and uncertain atmosphere, marked by a history of conflict and a lack of confidence in the fragility of any agreement. The previous ceasefire, announced after a year of war, had seen widespread evacuation, but this time the response was markedly different, with residents choosing to wait and observe before attempting to return to their homes.
Sources: Based on reporting from Al Jazeera
✨ This report was generated by AI News Assistant.
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Lebanon