As the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday morning, heavily-laden cars departed from Beirut, marking the return of many displaced Lebanese to the southern regions of the country, where fierce fighting had raged for nearly two years.
Ahmad Malik, a displaced resident, expressed hope as he made his way home to Harees, saying, “We are going back to Harees, and God willing, we will always be victorious. We are going to be a thorn in the enemy’s side.”
The ceasefire, which began at 4 a.m. local time, has so far held, providing much-needed relief to the Lebanese population after days of intense airstrikes and clashes, some of the most severe since the conflict’s onset.
Yousef Trad, a resident from Maarakeh, shared his joy at the announcement, stating, “I fled to Akkar, and when the ceasefire was declared at 4 a.m., I was on the road back home by 4:10. It’s an indescribable feeling.”
Despite a warning from the Israeli military urging people to avoid returning to evacuated areas, thousands of Lebanese have been making their way back south. Israel has warned that it will resume attacks if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire.