Lebanese Displaced Persons Cautious as Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Takes Effect

As a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, displaced Lebanese people expressed skepticism about returning home. The agreement's terms are still unclear, and many doubt Israel's commitment to upholding the ceasefire.

Abu Haidar, who has been displaced for six weeks, planned to return to his village, Kherbet Selem, near the border. However, he acknowledged the challenges, including a bombed bridge, and decided to leave before the midnight deadline.

Others, like Fadal Alawi and Haytham Dandash, whose homes were destroyed, were more cautious. They chose to stay in Beirut until a longer-term agreement is in place, citing concerns over Israel's history of violating agreements.

The Israeli military's recent intensification of attacks in southern Lebanon added to the uncertainty. Hezbollah and its ally, Nabih Berri, urged supporters not to return home until the situation clarifies.

The unclear terms of the agreement and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that troops would not withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire contributed to the skepticism. Hezbollah responded by asserting its right to resist if Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory.

In the meantime, displaced people like Dandash and his wife, Ruwayda Zaiter, faced desperate living conditions, with limited aid and no support from the state or political parties.