In the aftermath of a two-month war, the southern suburbs of Beirut hummed with activity as displaced residents like Hussein Mallah returned to repair their homes and businesses. The ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Yet, despite the uncertainty, people like Mallah were optimistic. He planned to reopen his bakery within days, determined to restore a sense of normalcy.

The heart of Hezbollah’s power, Dahiya, bore the brunt of Israel’s relentless airstrikes. People swept away debris, and the air echoed with the strains of Hezbollah anthems. The mood was somber yet defiant, with supporters hoping for a repeat of the 2006 ceasefire, which Hezbollah supporters hailed as a victory. Nasrallah’s successor, Naim Qassem, echoed this sentiment, declaring that Hezbollah’s resistance had persisted.

The parallels with the 2006 war were clear, but so were the differences. Israel had targeted Hezbollah’s top military leaders, and the organization had made concessions, agreeing to retreat from the border. Back home, troubles brewed as many saw Hezbollah as a diminished force, which could reignite long-standing tensions. Still, supporters found solace in the fact that their situation could have been worse, and that Hezbollah remained a formidable non-state actor.

Marwa, a 25-year-old, returned to her damaged home after two months, shocked by the extent of the destruction. Yet, she remained determined, saying, “We’ve been working nonstop just to have a coffee at home. ” Others, like Umm Hussein, faced more dire prospects. Her home had been destroyed, leaving her feeling like a prisoner amid the scenes of returnees on television.

News of Hope and Defiance: Lebanese Return Home After Uneasy Truce

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