Lebanese Displaced Return Home Amidst Destruction and Caution
Following the recent ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, many displaced Lebanese individuals have begun returning to their homes in southern villages, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. This return, driven by a deep longing for their homeland, comes after more than a year of displacement due to ongoing conflict. The emotional scenes of reunion were marked by joy and sorrow, as many returned to find their homes damaged or destroyed, and some mourned loved ones lost during the conflict.
The initial hours of return were filled with mixed emotions. Many displaced individuals expressed gratitude, praying and kissing the ground upon their arrival. Despite warnings from the Israeli military regarding the dangers of returning to certain areas, the determination to return was evident. The Lebanese army facilitated the return process, managing traffic and ensuring safety at military checkpoints, while medical teams were on standby to address any emergencies.
In the Bekaa region, hundreds of displaced individuals returned from temporary shelters, carrying their belongings back to towns that had suffered extensive damage from Israeli airstrikes. The streets were bustling with families eager to return to their villages, despite the risks posed by unexploded ordnance and cluster bombs left behind from the conflict. Many expressed a cautious joy about the ceasefire, though some remained hesitant to return until security was fully restored, highlighting the ongoing fears of potential escalations in violence.
