BEIRUT, April 25 (Bernama-dpa) -- A three-week extension of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is prompting some displaced residents to head back south, but for many, the return is defined less by relief than by devastation, uncertainty and grief, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
In Beirut, families were seen packing their belongings and setting off toward Tyre and Nabatieh, despite widespread destruction and the near absence of basic infrastructure.
Entire neighbourhoods remain in ruins, with electricity, water and other services still largely unavailable.
During the conflict with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, Israel carried out strikes across much of Lebanon, particularly in the south, where it says it has established a "security zone."
Critics have described the situation as an illegal occupation and raised concerns over possible violations of international law.
The extension of the ceasefire for another three weeks was announced by United States (US) President Donald Trump following talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives in Washington on Thursday.
Despite this, the situation on the ground remains volatile and far from resolved.
Since early March, the fighting has killed nearly 2,500 people and injured more than 7,700, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Some 1.2 million have been displaced – nearly a fifth of the population.
For many, there is simply nothing to return to. "I live in Beirut's southern suburbs. My whole home was brought down; I cannot return," said Ahmad.
"For now, my family and I are living in this school until we figure out what to do," he said, describing life in a crowded makeshift shelter that has effectively become his home.
Among those attempting to return, emotions are conflicted.
"We do not know what to expect… but anything is better than a shelter," said Khalil from the Tyre area, voicing a cautious, fragile hope shared by many.
Others spoke of overwhelming loss. "We cannot be happy. The land is gone… many martyrs and many sad stories are engulfing the south," said Fatima, who lost her fiancé during the fighting.
Yet despite the destruction, the pull of home remains strong.
"I have to go back. Our land is there… and the life we love is there," another returnee said.
Across southern Lebanon, returns remain limited and uneven, with families torn between the hardship of displacement and the harsh reality of shattered homes and an uncertain peace.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
