‘We want to be 100% sure’: war-weary Lebanese greet truce with caution
While officials welcome ceasefire, many people are uncertain it will last – and return to find homes destroyed
TL;DR
- Residents returning to southern Lebanese villages encountered explosive devices and ongoing Israeli shelling, despite a US-Iran ceasefire announcement.
- Many Lebanese expressed skepticism about the longevity of the truce, recalling previous ceasefires that were short-lived.
- Israeli troops remained in the 'security zone' in south Lebanon, and Israel reserved the right to respond to Hezbollah attacks.
- The conflict originated from Hezbollah's retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Israel's aims to destroy or disarm Hezbollah unachieved.
- The war caused extensive destruction to homes and villages, displaced over a million people, and resulted in thousands of deaths.
- Some residents returned to find their homes completely destroyed, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict.