Amid a fragile ceasefire, Lebanese civilians return to their devastated homes, facing the aftermath of conflict as rebuilding efforts begin.
Thousands of Lebanese civilians are returning to their ruined homes just hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect.
The ceasefire, facilitated by the United States to halt 13 months of conflict, commenced at 04:00 local time (02:00 GMT) and appears to be holding successfully for now.
“My family dedicated their lives to building this. We lived here for 25 years, and now it’s all gone,” a resident of Dahieh in southern Beirut shares with the BBC.
Israeli forces launched a ground invasion into Lebanon nearly two months ago, following approximately a year of rocket attacks from Hezbollah.
The ceasefire in Lebanon is unlikely to have a direct impact on Israel’s conflict in Gaza. Hamas officials have responded favorably to the agreement, expressing their “readiness” for a ceasefire in Gaza.
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This follows Israel’s announcement that it plans to appeal the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza.
In Beirut, individuals have been hurriedly returning to their homes, navigating through the debris of what used to be their houses.
Many have lost everything from their previous lives.
People here are anxiously waiting and hoping for an end to the violence.
Many questions are at stake due to concerns about whether the ceasefire will hold.
They are also questioning where the assistance to rebuild their homes will come from.
Many believe that any misstep by Hezbollah could result in returning to square one.
Ordinary people are eagerly trying to return to some semblance of normalcy despite the destruction.
France has indicated that it may choose not to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit the country.
This is despite the fact that he is subject to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
The French foreign ministry stated that leaders of non-member countries, such as Israel, possess certain immunities.
It stated that France’s judiciary would need to take these into consideration if Netanyahu were to visit.
He has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict, allegations which he strongly denies. France is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
BBC
