BEIRUT, April 17: A fragile calm settled over parts of Lebanon on Friday as a 10-day ceasefire brokered by the United States between Israel and Hezbollah took effect.
The truce prompted thousands of displaced families to begin returning home, despite widespread destruction, uncertainty, and warnings from Israeli and Lebanese authorities against going back to certain areas, particularly in the south.
By early morning, major routes leading to southern Lebanon were congested with vehicles carrying families and their belongings.
Traffic stretched for kilometers near key crossings such as the Qasmiyeh bridge over the Litani River, which had only partially reopened after recent airstrikes.
Many families transported mattresses, suitcases, and salvaged items, moving slowly through damaged infrastructure.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah displaced over a million people.
Although officials cautioned against immediate returns, many residents began heading back within hours of the ceasefire announcement. Initial reports suggested the truce was largely holding overnight, offering a brief sense of relief after weeks of intense fighting.
In southern villages like Jibsheet, returning residents encountered scenes of devastation. Buildings were flattened, streets were covered in debris, and basic infrastructure lay in ruins.
Some residents expressed relief at being back despite the destruction, while others doubted the durability of the ceasefire. Injured civilians and emergency responders described the ongoing emotional and physical toll of the conflict, with fears that violence could resume.
In Beirut’s southern suburb of Haret Hreik, entire neighborhoods were heavily damaged after repeated Israeli strikes. Residents returned to find homes destroyed and communities shattered. Some voiced strong support for Hezbollah and praised Iran’s role in pressuring for the ceasefire, while criticizing Lebanon’s leadership and any direct engagement with Israel.
Local officials reported extensive damage, noting dozens of airstrikes in certain neighborhoods over recent weeks. Cleanup efforts have begun for partially damaged buildings, but completely destroyed areas will require significant resources and time to rebuild.
The return of residents has led to heavy traffic and crowded streets, with many coming back to assess the condition of their homes.
Overall, while the ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to the fighting and allowed displaced people to return, the situation remains tense. The scale of destruction, lingering distrust, and uncertainty about whether the truce will hold continue to overshadow hopes for lasting peace. (AP)
