The 60-day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel officially ended at 4 AM on Sunday, with Lebanese citizens beginning to return to the southern villages. Despite the agreement, Israel has not fully withdrawn from several areas in South Lebanon and carried out attacks against civilians attempting to return to their towns, resulting in 15 deaths and 83 injuries.
Residents of southern border towns began their return on Sunday morning, undeterred by Israeli warnings and ongoing military presence, particularly in villages and hills in the eastern sector.
The President of the Lebanese Republic issued a statement addressing the people of the South, emphasizing, “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. I am following this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity. I share with you the joy of the triumph of justice and urge you to exercise restraint and have confidence in the armed forces.”
Civilians Return Despite Warnings
Since dawn, gatherings of residents were observed at the entrances of villages in the western and central sectors. Many reached safer neighborhoods in their towns, with the Lebanese army actively working to ensure their security.
The Lebanese army urged residents earlier to avoid areas where Israeli forces are still withdrawing and to follow military unit instructions to ensure their safety. However, many civilians crossed on foot into towns such as Hula and Mays al-Jabal. Reports claim the Israeli army fired warning shots, including machine guns and shells, near these returning residents.
Dozens of civilians from Hula and Mays al-Jabal managed to reach the western parts of their towns, bypassing Lebanese army checkpoints and roadblocks erected by Israeli bulldozers. Residents of Mays al-Jabal had previously organized a collective return effort, showing determination despite Israeli obstacles, including an earth barrier constructed in Wadi al-Hujeir to block entry.
Residents of Taybeh also attempted to re-enter their town, while several individuals from Khiam successfully returned. The Lebanese army reopened the Tyre-Bint Jbeil road for residents of Aita al-Shaab, who insisted on returning to their village, according to Al-Nour Radio.
Before the ceasefire deadline, intense Israeli explosions were reported in Kfar Kila and Mays al-Jabal, accompanied by drone activity over several areas in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL forces offered to assist the Lebanese army in implementing measures to protect civilians and reduce risks associated with the movement of southern residents toward their border villages.
Residents enter the southern village of #Khiamhttps://t.co/067K1w7IOB pic.twitter.com/XUZzKCeEwP
— This is Beirut (@ThisIsBeirut_) January 26, 2025
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