Published on 19 April 2026
Thousands of displaced Lebanese families have begun returning to their southern homeland despite continued Israeli shelling and demolition of homes near the border.
Vehicles laden with mattresses, bags and flags continued to come and go on Saturday as families headed south to assess the condition of their homes.
The temporary return follows a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, although the Lebanese army has advised residents to postpone their return, while Hezbollah has warned it will have its “finger on the trigger” if Israel violates the agreement.
Many who returned found their homes destroyed or damaged beyond habitability, making them hesitant to remain there, as fears persist that the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel could collapse.
The ceasefire has enabled many residents to inspect properties in Hezbollah-controlled areas, including the southern suburbs, which faced intense Israeli bombardment.
Lebanese officials report that Israeli strikes killed approximately 2,300 people throughout the conflict and displaced more than one million, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
On Saturday, senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati offered a grim assessment, warning that “Israeli betrayal is expected at any time, and this is a temporary ceasefire”.
He said, “Breathe, get some rest, but do not leave the places where you have taken shelter until we are absolutely sure about your return home.”
Local media and residents have indicated that Israeli forces are continuing demolition operations in several border villages.
The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had established a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, as it did in the Gaza Strip. The “Yellow Line” is an Israeli-designated military zone and buffer established inside the strip.
In southern Lebanon, the military and local organizations have been clearing roads blocked by strikes since the ceasefire began.
In Hanaway, east of the southern city of Tyre, deputy mayor Mustafa Bajzoun pledged to restore life by “securing all services, from communications to opening roads, so that people can return to their normal lives as soon as possible”.
“People are returning, but cautiously. We are working on the idea that their return will be permanent. They may leave temporarily, but they will return later.”
