Following the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, displaced Lebanese citizens are starting to return to their homes in the evacuated southern regions of the country. The ceasefire, which took effect early Wednesday morning, has allowed people to go back to their villages. However, many are finding their homes unrecognizable, damaged, or destroyed due to Israel's bombardment that lasted for a year with cross-border strikes and months of full-scale war.
One returning resident, Hussein Sweidan, expressed a sense of victory, pride, and honor for the Shiite sect and all of Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hussam Arrout, a father of four, mentioned that his family is still cautious as Israel has not completely withdrawn from Lebanon. They are waiting for the army's announcement before heading back to their village.
Some individuals, like a girl from Sidon, are hesitant to return to their home villages after forming close bonds in the city. She shared her reluctance to leave her newfound friends, whom she now considers as sisters. The emotional toll of separation is evident as they prepare to go back to the south.
It's important to note that Israel had issued evacuation orders for significant parts of southern Lebanon in recent months, displacing over a million people. This mass displacement occurred as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated, leading to a limited ground incursion by the Israeli military into Lebanon.
