Lebanese Refugees Begin Return Home from Iraq After Ceasefire Holds

Lebanese refugees displaced in Iraq are returning home amid a ceasefire after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with families expressing determination despite extensive destruction. Over 20,000 Lebanese fled to Iraq, and around 800 are now returning weekly, although many face uncertainties about their homes. Support from Iraq is commendable yet the future remains unclear, particularly concerning children’s education and overall safety.

Lebanese families who sought refuge in Iraq due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict have started returning to their homes in southern Lebanon following a recent ceasefire. The cessation of hostilities has facilitated their journey back, even amid extensive destruction. Ali Abdulla, a resident of southern Lebanon, expressed his determination, stating, “After two months, we are returning to our homeland. We will return even if we find our homes destroyed; we will sit on the ground.”

Official reports indicate that over 20,000 Lebanese fled to Iraq since the conflict began. Yousef Barakat, also among the returnees at Najaf airport, remarked, “Returning home was faster than we expected. A ceasefire has been achieved. We, the southerners, have not and will not abandon our land.” Approximately 800 individuals depart for Beirut weekly, while others take government-provided buses to the Qaim border crossing with Syria.

However, concerns remain regarding the condition of the homes, as many Lebanese question their safety and habitability upon return. Rabea Ali, a mother of four, lamented, “I no longer have a home; everything is destroyed. If we return, where will we sleep, on the street? What is the future of our children if they stay in Lebanon?” In contrast, her son Omar supports staying in Iraq as he has found employment there.

Despite the government and local Shi’ite organizations providing essential support, the uncertainty surrounding the reconstruction and stability in Lebanon poses significant concerns for those considering returning. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, aims to bring an end to the conflict that has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 3,768 individuals in Lebanon.

The article discusses the ongoing situation in Lebanon and Iraq following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, particularly focusing on the return of displaced Lebanese families to their homes. This situation follows a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France, aimed at alleviating the hostilities that have resulted in significant casualties and destruction. The article highlights the challenges faced by the returning individuals, including the state of their homes and concerns about the future, encapsulating the emotional and social dynamics of this humanitarian scenario.

The return of displaced Lebanese families from Iraq is a significant development following the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. While many express relief and determination to return home, the devastation of their properties raises pressing concerns about resettlement and future living conditions. The ongoing support from the Iraqi government and local organizations is crucial, yet uncertainties about life in Lebanon hinder some families’ willingness to return. The human impact of these geopolitical conflicts remains profound and complex.

Original Source: indianexpress.com