Lebanese families head home as ceasefire pauses fighting with Israel

People in southern Lebanon are making their way back to towns and villages they fled during weeks of intense cross-border strikes. A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Friday, bringing a fragile calm to a region that had braced for a wider war. Families arrived by car and on foot, many carrying supplies, hoping to assess damage and reclaim a sense of normalcy-even if just for a few days.

The truce appears to be holding so far, with no major violations reported in the first hours. That's a small but meaningful relief for tens of thousands who had been living in shelters or with relatives further north. In some areas, homes were damaged or destroyed, and roads were cratered from repeated bombardment. Still, the mood in towns like Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun was one of cautious optimism, with neighbors hugging and children running through quiet streets.

This pause didn't come out of nowhere. It's part of a broader diplomatic push involving the United States and Iran, both of which have influence over different sides in the conflict. While Israel hasn't confirmed direct talks with Iran, U.S. officials have been shuttling between capitals, trying to prevent another full-scale war in the region. The 10-day window is seen as a test-if both sides stick to the agreement, it could lead to a longer-term arrangement.

Hezbollah, which has exchanged fire with Israel since October 2023 in solidarity with Hamas, has not issued a major statement but appears to be observing the ceasefire. On the Israeli side, military activity along the border has dropped sharply. Still, troops remain deployed, and many residents in northern Israel are staying in shelters or safe rooms, unsure whether the quiet will last.

International monitors and humanitarian groups are now pushing to deliver aid to the hardest-hit areas. The United Nations has warned that many returning families lack access to clean water, electricity, and medical care. Reconstruction is a distant prospect, but even temporary repairs could make a difference if the ceasefire holds beyond its initial term.

History offers little comfort. Previous pauses in the conflict have collapsed within days, often triggered by a single incident. But this time, the stakes feel higher. With Gaza still in ruins and regional tensions simmering, even a short break in fighting could buy time for diplomacy to take root.

For now, people in southern Lebanon are lighting candles, sweeping rubble, and sleeping in their own beds for the first time in months. It's a small victory, but one that means everything to those who lived through the fear of the last few weeks.