Beirut Residents Cautious as Lebanon Ceasefire Takes Effect

BEIRUT — As a 10-day ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was set to take effect at midnight, the mood in Beirut was far from celebratory. While some displaced families prepared to return to their villages, many more told Al Jazeera they did not trust Israel to uphold the agreement and would wait to see if it held before making the journey home.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from Beirut on April 16, Al Jazeera's Justin Salhani spoke with displaced citizens who expressed a cautious approach to the ceasefire reached between Israel and Lebanon. In a separate report, Al Jazeera's Heidi Pett noted that while Israel has backed a ceasefire between the US and Iran, it has made clear that agreement does not extend to Lebanon. As Israeli strikes continue, residents remain wary, citing repeated violations of past ceasefires and ongoing displacement.

The reports highlight a stark contrast with the previous ceasefire in November 2024, when families packed their belongings quickly and roads to the south were jammed with traffic within hours. This time, the mood is subdued, with many choosing to stay in temporary shelters until a more durable agreement is in place.

Key Claims

  • A 10-day ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was set to take effect at midnight, as announced by US President Donald Trump after speaking with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Displaced people in downtown Beirut told Al Jazeera they did not trust Israel to uphold the ceasefire and would wait before returning to their homes, with some noting that their homes may no longer exist.
  • In the Hay el-Sellom neighborhood of Beirut's southern suburbs, homes were destroyed. One resident, Fadal Alawi, reported that all but one room of his home was destroyed, while Haytham Dandash and his wife Ruwayda Zaiter said their home was completely knocked down, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Hezbollah asked its supporters not to return to their homes immediately after the ceasefire announcement, according to multiple Al Jazeera reports.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military's troops would not withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire period, a claim carried by Al Jazeera.
  • Al Jazeera also reported that Israel has backed a ceasefire between the US and Iran, but that it does not extend to Lebanon, and that Israeli strikes continue despite the ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Perspectives

Displaced Residents

For many displaced Lebanese, the ceasefire announcement was met with skepticism rather than relief. Abu Haidar, a resident of Kherbet Selem, told Al Jazeera he planned to return home at 11pm, a full hour before the ceasefire was due to take effect, despite Israel having bombed the last working bridge to the south earlier that day. However, he was in the minority. Others like Haytham Dandash said they would stay in Beirut for the full 10 days, waiting for a longer agreement before returning.

The destruction in Beirut's southern suburbs, where homes were reduced to rubble, adds to the uncertainty. For those whose homes no longer exist, the question of return is even more complex.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah has urged its supporters not to return home immediately, reflecting a cautious approach that acknowledges the fragility of the ceasefire. This guidance appears to align with the sentiment expressed by many displaced residents.

Israeli Government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that troops would not withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire period underscores the limited nature of the agreement. Al Jazeera's reporting also notes that Israel has backed a ceasefire between the US and Iran but explicitly stated it does not extend to Lebanon, and that Israeli strikes have continued.

Contextual Analysis

The current ceasefire comes amidst a complex regional landscape. The Israeli military's continued presence in southern Lebanon and the reported ongoing strikes raise questions about the durability of the agreement. The Lebanese government, which was not a direct party to the negotiations, faces the challenge of rebuilding trust among its citizens, many of whom have experienced repeated cycles of displacement and destruction.

Al Jazeera's reports suggest that the ceasefire, while welcomed, is viewed by many as a temporary reprieve rather than a lasting solution. The lack of celebration in Beirut, as residents express wariness and wait for a more permanent arrangement, reflects a deep-seated skepticism shaped by past experiences.

As the 10-day period unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see whether both sides honor their commitments. For now, the streets of Beirut tell a story of caution, resilience, and a guarded hope that this ceasefire might hold.