Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese families have begun returning home despite ongoing Israeli shelling and demolitions near the border. On Saturday, vehicles loaded with mattresses, bags, and flags traveled south for a preliminary assessment of their homes.
The tentative return follows a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel, though the Lebanese army advised residents to delay until Hezbollah reassured them that Israel had not breached any agreement. Many found their homes destroyed or beyond habitation, leaving them hesitant to stay amid fears of ceasefire unraveling.
Lebanese authorities report Israeli attacks killed nearly 2,300 people throughout the conflict and displaced more than one million, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati warned that “Israeli treachery is expected at any time,” urging residents not to abandon their temporary shelters.
Local media indicate Israeli forces continue demolition operations across several border villages. The Israeli military announced it had established a “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, similar to the buffer zone in Gaza. In Hanaway, east of Tyre, deputy mayor Mustapha Bazzoun pledged to restore life by securing all services and opening roads as quickly as possible.