Southern Lebanon residents faced shattered homes and emotional turmoil on Tuesday as Israeli forces withdrew from border villages under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. While Beirut condemned Tel Aviv’s retention of five strategic outposts as a blatant occupation, displaced civilians rushed to assess the damage after months of brutal conflict.
Lebanese soldiers deployed to clear explosive remnants and roadblocks, but villagers like Khodo Suleiman bypassed checkpoints. What I’m seeing is beyond belief, said Suleiman, staring at his leveled hilltop home in Kfar Kila. Across the region, 90% of buildings were destroyed, per local officials.
The continued Israeli presence violates international law. This occupation demands urgent U.N. action,stated Lebanon’s president, prime minister, and parliament speaker jointly.
Despite withdrawals, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized plans to maintain a buffer zone against Hezbollah. We remain committed to Israel’s security, he declared, noting reinforcements along the border. Meanwhile, the U.N. acknowledged progress but urged full compliance.
For displaced families like Hussein Fares—a Kfar Kila laborer living in Sidon schools—rebuilding seems daunting. I’ve counted every second to return, he said, vowing to reconstruct despite ruins. The 18-month war displaced over 1 million Lebanese, killed 4,000, and left Israeli border towns paralyzed.
- Hezbollah initiated hostilities on Oct. 8, 2023, after Hamas’ Gaza incursion.
- UN reports confirm 100,000+ Lebanese remain displaced post-ceasefire.
As drones circled Deir Mimas, car mechanic Atef Arabi reflected: Happiness mixes with pain. Our village is gone, but we’ll start anew. With international pressure mounting, Lebanon’s recovery hinges on geopolitical stability—a fragile prospect amid unresolved territorial claims.
