Thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians took to the road on Friday, hoping a 10-day ceasefire with Israel would allow them to return to their homes in southern Beirut and the country’s war-torn south.
Why it matters: The ceasefire provides a temporary reprieve for civilians affected by the recent conflict, raising hopes for longer-lasting peace in a region plagued by violence.
Roads heading south from the capital were clogged with traffic, as families sought to return home, even with warnings from Israel’s defense minister that military operations against Hezbollah were not yet complete.
Minutes before the ceasefire took effect at midnight, Israeli strikes in Tyre killed at least 13 people and destroyed six residential buildings, highlighting the precarious situation on the ground.
The ceasefire was brokered under pressure from US President Donald Trump, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations in the region.
Driving the news: The ceasefire came after intense fighting that erupted on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz warned that the area north of the security zone along the border had not been cleared of threats and that military action could resume if diplomatic efforts failed.
“If the fighting resumes, those residents who return to the security zone will have to be evacuated to allow completion of the mission,” Katz stated, emphasizing the risks involved.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun acknowledged the importance of direct negotiations with Israel, claiming they are “crucial” for consolidating the ceasefire.
The big picture: The ceasefire is seen as a key step in Washington’s broader strategy to address tensions with Iran and stabilize the region.
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Lebanon will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah from conducting hostile actions against Israel.
Trump mentioned he had spoken to both Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that their agreement was aimed at achieving peace between their countries.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a “key Lebanese demand” pursued since the onset of the conflict.
What they're saying: Civilians returning home expressed a mix of hope and trepidation about the ceasefire.
“Our feelings are indescribable, pride and victory,” said 37-year-old Amani Atrash, who was traveling to southern Lebanon. She expressed hope that the truce would be extended.
Grandfather Yousef Halabi, 80, was reunited with his family at their home in Tyre, illustrating the personal stakes involved in the conflict.
On the Israeli side, Ofir Ben-Ari, a mother of two, shared her hopes for a return to normalcy, saying, “It’s been crazy, but I think things will be quiet now and I’ll be able to take my daughter to the park.”
By the numbers: The ceasefire allows for a 10-kilometer (6-mile) security zone along the border, a measure intended to prevent future conflicts.
At least 13 fatalities were reported from the last-minute Israeli strikes in Tyre, underscoring the violence that has defined the recent hostilities.
Thousands of displaced individuals began to return home, creating long queues as they traversed the bomb-damaged Qasmiyeh Bridge.
The ceasefire is set to last for 10 days, providing a limited window for civilians to return and for negotiations to progress.
Between the lines: The ceasefire is fragile, with both sides maintaining military readiness.
Hezbollah has stated its readiness to respond to any violations by Israel, indicating that tensions remain high.
Israel's insistence on disarming Hezbollah as a precondition for lasting peace complicates the prospects for a comprehensive agreement.
As displaced families return, the risk of renewed conflict hangs, particularly if military operations resume.
What's next: The coming days will be decisive for the future of the ceasefire and regional stability.
Trump has indicated that he expects Netanyahu and Aoun to visit the White House soon, which could lead to more substantive negotiations.
The success of the ceasefire will depend on both Lebanon's ability to curb Hezbollah's actions and Israel's restraint in military operations.
As the ceasefire progresses, international observers will closely monitor the situation to gauge if this could lead to a more permanent resolution.