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🇱🇧 Lebanon /Conflict & Security

US-Iran deal met with hope, skepticism in Lebanon

From Naharnet · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Displaced people in Lebanon began returning home following a US-Iran deal, despite Israeli ministers indicating their forces are not bound by it.
  • The Lebanese army urged residents to postpone their return for safety reasons, citing potential Israeli attacks and unexploded ordnance.
  • Reactions in Israel were mixed, with many expressing skepticism about the ceasefire's longevity and perceived disregard for Israeli security needs.

A US-Iran deal aimed at ending their conflict has been met with a mix of relief and skepticism across the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon where displaced individuals started returning to their homes. Despite Israeli ministers stating they do not consider themselves bound by the agreement to halt their offensive against Hezbollah, scenes of jubilation were observed.

We're returning to our south, to the free land... we can't do without the southern land.

— Alaa MerhiA displaced individual expressing his determination to return home after the US-Iran deal.

At the Qasmiyeh bridge, a gateway to the Tyre area heavily bombarded by Israel, dozens of cars packed with belongings passed through a Lebanese army checkpoint, with passengers signaling victory. Alaa Merhi, driving with his family, expressed his determination to return: "We're returning to our south, to the free land... we can't do without the southern land." Many hoped this would mark a "final return" after repeated forced displacements due to Israeli bombings and evacuation orders.

However, the Lebanese army advised displaced residents to delay their return to southern border villages, and several municipalities issued similar instructions. While some, like Hanaa Jaffal in Sidon, planned to return immediately, stating, "There's nothing like returning to your land, even if the houses are no longer there. We'll set up a tent and stay in it," others opted for caution. Haifa Sherri, displaced from Khirbet Selm, said her joy was immense but she would wait for the situation to become clearer before returning.

Our joy is greater than the whole world

— Haifa SherriA displaced person expressing relief but also caution about returning immediately.

In Israel, reactions to the deal were varied, with widespread skepticism regarding its potential to bring lasting peace. Naomi Haddar, CEO of a medical non-profit, voiced her disappointment, stating, "I don't expect this ceasefire to last. I don't think that they considered Israeli needs and I'm personally upset about it." She emphasized Israel's right as a free country to make its own decisions to protect its citizens.

There's nothing like returning to your land, even if the houses are no longer there. We'll set up a tent and stay in it

— Hanaa JaffalA displaced resident planning to return to her home despite potential destruction.

Koby Heller, a Jerusalem resident, described a general sentiment of loss among Israelis, feeling that the US objectives of dismantling missiles and removing uranium stockpiles from Iran were not achieved. The deal's details remain undisclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its implementation and long-term impact.

Iran and mediator Pakistan say the agreement does now provide for an end to the fighting in Lebanon, but Israeli ministers said their forces will not be withdrawn.

— NaharnetReporting on the differing interpretations of the deal's applicability to Lebanon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Naharnet. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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