A cautious calm has settled over Lebanon after a ceasefire with Israel came into effect at midnight on Thursday-Friday local time, with residents beginning to return to their homes despite warnings of continued danger and reported violations.
On Thursday, hours before the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli strikes on the Sidon district killed at least 14 people and injured dozens more, according to Lebanese media, with raids hitting areas including Ghaziyeh, Saksakiyeh, and Zrariyeh.
The attacks, which struck residential and civilian areas, were part of a broader wave of intensified Israeli bombardment across southern Lebanon in the hours and days leading up to the truce.
In the final moments before the ceasefire took hold, Israeli forces intensified airstrikes and shelling across southern Lebanon, expanding destruction in several areas.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the Israeli military carried out a large-scale demolition operation in the town of Khiam on Friday.
Israeli troops also fired artillery and machine-gun bursts at an ambulance team affiliated with the Islamic Health Authority in the town of Kounine, causing injuries. In Majdal Selm, a boy was killed and another injured when unexploded remnants left behind by Israeli forces detonated, according to the agency.
Despite this, many Lebanese headed back to villages in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the south, and the Bekaa Valley as soon as the ten-day truce began, even as authorities urged restraint amid fears of renewed fighting and Israeli breaches of the agreement.
Shortly after midnight, the Lebanese army warned that violations of the ceasefire were continuing in the south, citing a number of Israeli attacks and intermittent shelling targeting several villages.
It called on residents to delay returning to southern areas and to follow military instructions to ensure their safety, particularly at night and near hazardous zones.
Despite the warnings, roads leading south were heavily congested as families attempted to return home. The Lebanese army reopened the Qasmiyeh bridge in the Tyre district after it had been severed by Israeli strikes and worked to facilitate the movement of returning residents.
Israeli forces remain in parts of southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese state yet to determine the extent of the incursion, complicating efforts for a full civilian return. Israeli authorities also warned residents not to move into areas south of the Litani River once the ceasefire began.
Lebanese military sources told The New Arab that "the Lebanese army has repositioned and redeployed at several points in the south to accompany the return of residents and ensure their protection, and has also strengthened its presence in Beirut and other areas to maintain security".
"Citizens must exercise caution when returning, as remnants of the enemy are still present. The enemy has also advanced into a number of southern areas and remains present there, so citizens must be careful, stay away from those areas and not enter them, as this would expose them to danger," they added. Hezbollah also urged residents to delay returning to affected areas until the situation becomes clearer, stating: "We understand the depth of your longing to return to your villages and homes, and we appreciate your patience and steadfastness shown to the world. However, out of concern for your safety and your precious lives, we call on you to remain patient and endure."
US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on Thursday, saying it would last for ten days starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (midnight in Beirut).
In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: "I held excellent talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the two leaders agreed to begin a ten-day ceasefire starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, in order to achieve peace between their countries."
Trump added that he had directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, to "work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve lasting peace."
In a later post, Trump said he would invite Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House for "the first serious talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983", adding: "Both sides want peace, and I believe it will be achieved quickly."