A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into force early Friday, prompting thousands of displaced residents to begin returning to their homes, despite warnings from the Lebanese military of ongoing security risks.
The truce, which took effect at midnight local time, was quickly overshadowed by reports from the Lebanese army citing “a number of violations” and continued Israeli military activity in southern regions. Authorities urged civilians many of whom had fled following Israeli evacuation orders not to return immediately due to safety concerns.
Nevertheless, large numbers of residents were seen travelling south before dawn, with heavy traffic reported along the coastal highway. Some vehicles were forced to navigate damaged infrastructure, including a bridge previously destroyed during the conflict.
Displaced resident Alaa Damash said many were aware of the risks but chose to return regardless. “People were told to wait, but their attachment to their homes pushed them to go back despite the threats,” she said.
The ceasefire forms part of broader diplomatic efforts led by the United States to de-escalate tensions in the region and advance negotiations with Iran. Tehran has maintained that any wider agreement must include a halt to hostilities in Lebanon.
Pakistan has reportedly taken on a mediating role, working to facilitate renewed direct talks between Tehran and Washington. Former US President Donald Trump indicated that discussions were progressing and suggested he could travel to Islamabad to finalise a deal, stating that the parties were “very close” to reaching an agreement.
Fighting in Lebanon escalated on March 2 after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, triggering a broader confrontation. The exchange followed the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during initial US-Israeli strikes.
As the ceasefire took hold, sporadic gunfire was reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, though it remained unclear whether this was celebratory or related to ongoing tensions.
Traffic congestion stretched for kilometres near the Litani River, with residents waiting hours to cross into southern areas. Journalists on the ground described long queues and significant delays as people attempted to return home.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s military said it had carried out strikes on more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon prior to the truce and remained on high alert for any escalation.
Trump confirmed he had held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ahead of the agreement, stating both leaders had accepted the ceasefire in pursuit of peace. He added that he expected both to visit the White House within days, a potential development that could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Netanyahu described the truce as an opportunity for a “historic peace agreement” but reiterated that any long-term settlement would require Hezbollah’s disarmament. While Trump indicated the group was included in the ceasefire terms, the US State Department suggested that responsibility for addressing Hezbollah’s presence lay with the Lebanese state.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a longstanding national demand since the onset of hostilities.
However, diplomatic tensions persisted, with reports indicating that President Aoun declined a request for direct communication with Netanyahu.
Among civilians, the truce has been met with cautious optimism. Beirut resident Jamal Shehab, 61, said the country was weary of conflict. “We are very happy that a ceasefire has been reached because we are tired of war and want safety and peace,” she said.
A Hezbollah lawmaker told AFP the group would “cautiously adhere” to the ceasefire, provided Israel halts its attacks. Another senior figure, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, credited Iran’s influence in securing the agreement.
Under the terms outlined by Israel, a 10-kilometre security buffer zone will be maintained along the southern Lebanese border.
Violence persisted in the final hours before the truce, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting at least seven people killed and more than 30 wounded in an Israeli strike on the town of Ghazieh on Thursday. An Israeli hospital also confirmed that three people were injured in cross-border hostilities the same day.