Return of displaced people begins in South Lebanon after ceasefire
The effect of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is beginning to be seen on the ground. Displaced Lebanese people have begun to return to the southern part of the country. With the hope that the ceasefire agreement will remain in place. Civilians began moving south towards their homes soon after the ceasefire took effect, Al Jazeera reported. Some people returning were making ‘victory signs’, because for them returning home is a victory in itself. However, it is unclear whether access to all areas will be possible, as the Israeli military says its forces are still operating in some areas and evacuation orders have yet to be issued. People are feeling relieved, but there is also a cloud of apprehension over the expectations because they know that this is a ‘fragile’ ceasefire. Lebanese and Israeli forces appealed to people to remain vigilant and refrain from traveling south while Israeli forces were on the ground.
Earlier on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said that after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the Lebanese army will once again occupy its territory. “Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces – civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin rebuilding their homes,” he said. The agreement will reportedly provide Israel with a 60-day transition period, during which the IDF will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese Army will deploy about 5,000 troops south of the Litani River, including along the Israeli border, according to Israeli media. 33 posts are also included.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah during talks with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. PM Mikati made several posts on X in this regard. These described the proposal as a fundamental step towards restoring peace and stability in Lebanon, enabling displaced people to return to their towns and cities. Although Hezbollah has not made any formal comment on Israel till the latest information, its biggest supporter Iran supported the agreement. According to the report, the Iranian Foreign Ministry welcomed the news of the end of Israel’s aggression against Lebanon.
Additionally, Hamas had previously said it was ready for a ceasefire if Israeli forces withdrew from the area, people were allowed to return to their homes and more humanitarian aid was delivered. Israeli forces began airstrikes on Lebanon on 23 September. A few days later it also launched a ‘limited’ ground campaign across the border, allegedly aimed at weakening Hezbollah. Many commanders, including Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, were killed in Israeli attacks and many of its bases were heavily damaged. However, the Lebanese group also retaliated by firing missiles at Israel. On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah started firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Since then, Palestinian groups and the Jewish state have been embroiled in conflict.
