Displaced Lebanese Return to War-Torn South Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun returning to their homes in the south following the commencement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Despite official warnings about potential dangers, residents are eager to assess the condition of their properties and communities.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, took effect at midnight local time on April 16, 2026. It follows 46 days of intense conflict that resulted in over 2,100 fatalities and displaced more than a million people. The truce is viewed as a step toward broader peace initiatives, including potential negotiations with Iran.

In towns like Srifa, returning residents are confronted with extensive damage. Electrical engineer Hassan Najdi found his home heavily damaged, with windows blown in and walls blackened by flames. He remarked, "Honestly, everything has changed a lot. The features of the place are completely different. When you first enter the village, you can’t even recognise that this is the Srifa it used to be."

Despite the ceasefire, tensions persist. The Lebanese army has reported violations, including intermittent shelling of southern villages. Hezbollah has stated that its fighters "will keep their finger on the trigger because they are wary of the enemy’s treachery."

The return of displaced individuals is further complicated by the presence of unexploded ordnance and damaged infrastructure. The Lebanese army has urged citizens to exercise caution and heed instructions from soldiers deployed in the south.

As residents navigate the challenges of returning home, the future remains uncertain. The ceasefire is fragile, and the potential for renewed hostilities looms, leaving many to rebuild amidst the ruins while bracing for what may come.