By Emmanuel Bobby
After hours of travel back to his hometown, Imad Komeyha was met not with relief, but devastation. The 62-year-old and his family spent 12 hours journeying from northern Lebanon to their village of Kfar Sir, only to find their home completely destroyed following weeks of intense Israeli airstrikes.
Komeyha is among the estimated one million people displaced during Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, which began in March after Hezbollah launched rockets in response to the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
A Fragile Ceasefire Amid Widespread Destruction
A 10-day ceasefire announced by Donald Trump has allowed some displaced families to return to southern Lebanon. However, for many, the return has revealed the full scale of destruction rather than offering a sense of closure or safety.
“I am devastated,” Komeyha said, describing how both his home and his son’s residence in the same building were reduced to rubble. “My whole family is homeless.”
This is not the first time his family has been uprooted. They were previously displaced during the 2006 Lebanon War and again in 2024. Now, facing displacement for the third time, Komeyha questions how long this cycle can continue.
“How many times do we need to leave our houses?” he asked. “We want to stay despite everything.”
Civilians Return Despite Ongoing Risks
While the ceasefire has opened a narrow window for returns, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Israeli forces continue to operate in parts of southern Lebanon, and warnings from the Lebanese army urge civilians to avoid areas where troops are still present.
Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will continue operating in a designated “security zone” to prevent further threats, signaling that the ceasefire does not equate to a full withdrawal.
At the same time, sporadic violence persists. A French peacekeeper was killed and several others injured after a United Nations patrol came under fire, while an Israeli soldier was killed in a separate incident involving an explosive device.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 2,100 people have been killed since the conflict began, underscoring the human toll of the fighting.
Fear, Determination and the Pull of Home
Despite the risks, many Lebanese civilians are choosing to return, driven by a deep sense of attachment to their homes and communities.
Adeeb Farhat, 34, described the emotional conflict of returning to his village of Arab Salim.
“This time it is extremely scary,” he said. “But we can’t help it. We have to come and check on our houses. Our feeling of belonging is very strong.”
Others are preparing to follow. Ikbal Daher, a 40-year-old housewife from Qana, acknowledged the widespread destruction but remains determined.
“We know there is massive damage, but we are excited and proud,” she said. “We don’t trust Israel, and we might be exposed to airstrikes, but we don’t care.”
Ceasefire Terms Leave Key Issues Unresolved
The ceasefire agreement, facilitated by the United States, calls for renewed negotiations aimed at achieving long-term peace and stability. However, the terms reflect ongoing mistrust between the parties.
Lebanon’s government is expected to take steps to prevent Hezbollah from launching attacks, while Israel retains the right to act in self-defense against perceived threats.
Hezbollah, for its part, has warned that its fighters remain ready to respond if the ceasefire is violated. The group has outlined demands including a permanent halt to Israeli attacks, full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the release of prisoners, and international support for reconstruction.
Communities Struggle to Rebuild
For many returning residents, the immediate challenge is survival amid destruction. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, infrastructure damaged, and livelihoods erased.
Ali Eid, a 60-year-old high school instructor from Maarakah, returned with his children to find his home and much of his village in ruins.
“Our losses are incredible,” he said. “Many people were killed, and everything we built is gone.”
Yet, even in the face of overwhelming loss, there remains a determination to rebuild.
“This is not easy,” Eid added. “But life and survival are stronger.”
An Uncertain Future
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over whether the pause in fighting can lead to a lasting peace. For now, families returning to southern Lebanon must navigate a fragile reality—balancing hope for stability with the ever-present risk of renewed conflict.
For people like Komeyha, the question is no longer just about rebuilding homes, but about whether lasting security can ever be achieved in a region long defined by cycles of war and displacement.
Original article
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