Beirut Suburbs Breathe Easier After Ceasefire, But Damage Lingers

Residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs are cautiously returning to their homes and lives following a ceasefire that took effect early this morning. This area, a stronghold of Hezbollah, has been a frequent target of Israeli military actions and suffered heavy bombardment since the conflict began on March 2. While the ceasefire appears to be holding, many face a daunting reality of destroyed homes and lingering insecurity.

A Tentative Return Home

For many, the return is not a simple homecoming but a step into uncertainty. Al says he cannot return to his home for now. The Israeli military destroyed his house, and he does not feel safe.

He described the scene: “This whole burnt house, this whole building, how can we live? We are managing by staying in a tent, or going to a relative’s place.

All the children of the suburbs are hugging each other.” When asked where he would live, he replied, “For now, I’m staying here in the tent to see what decisions will be made.” His family is also sleeping in the tent, as their home sustained some damage, but they cannot leave it unattended. “We are still afraid, we are not safe,” he added.

Amira expressed mixed emotions about returning to the southern suburbs, the place she grew up, met many people, and where her life unfolded. “We came to see the damage in the area after the aggression against us, and with the hope that we will start working again and continue anew,” she said. While she is happy to be back, a sadness remains.

“There is a sadness, there is a sadness because people’s homes were destroyed, and there are martyrs whose bodies have not yet been buried or identified. This is what saddens us,” she explained.

Ceasefire Holds, But Violations Reported

The ceasefire appears to be largely holding in Beirut’s southern suburbs. However, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) stated they recorded several ceasefire violations by Israel. In a statement, the LAF urged residents to delay returning to southern villages and towns.

They warned that these violations continue to pose a threat to civilians. Despite these warnings, many southerners have already begun making their way back to their hometowns since the ceasefire began. The LAF’s caution highlights the fragility of the current calm.

Residents Face Devastation

The impact of the military actions on the southern suburbs is stark. Homes have been reduced to rubble, and infrastructure has been severely damaged. Many residents are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the shared experience of loss.

The community is relying on mutual support, with families staying with relatives or seeking shelter in temporary accommodations like tents. This reliance on neighbors and extended family highlights the widespread destruction and the immediate need for aid and rebuilding efforts.

The emotional toll is also significant. The destruction of homes and the loss of life weigh heavily on those returning. The uncertainty of rebuilding and the lingering security concerns add to the stress.

Yet, there is a strong desire to return and reclaim their lives. The hope is that the ceasefire will hold, allowing for a gradual return to normalcy and the difficult process of recovery.

Looking Ahead

As the ceasefire enters its second day, the focus shifts to the practicalities of rebuilding and the long-term security of the region. The LAF’s warnings about continued violations serve as a reminder that the situation remains tense.

Residents like Al and Amira are determined to return and rebuild, but their path forward is fraught with challenges. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire holds and if the residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs can truly begin to heal and recover from the recent conflict.

Source: Skepticism and hope in Beirut's southern suburbs as ceasefire takes hold | DW News (YouTube)