Displaced by the war against Israel, children play in the courtyard of the Makassed school in the Beshara al-Khoury neighborhood of Beirut, on March 4, 2026. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)
SOUTH LEBANON — Pakistan announced a Tehran‑Washington cease-fire covering the entire region, including Lebanon, giving hope to displaced residents in southern Lebanon. That hope was quickly dashed by Netanyahu’s statement and ongoing Israeli attacks.
The flow of contradictory messages pushed the Lebanese Army, the Amal movement, and Hezbollah, along with their relief organizations, to urge people not to return to the South.
The Lebanese Army called on residents of the South to “exercise restraint regarding their return to villages and towns in South Lebanon” and to “avoid approaching areas where Israeli forces have advanced” to stay safe, noting that lives could be at risk from ongoing Israeli attacks. It also urged people to “comply with the instructions of deployed military units” and “remain vigilant about unexploded munitions and suspicious objects left behind by the Israeli aggression,” reporting them to the nearest army or security center.
The army redeployed at the Aamirieh post south of Sour, where an Israeli bombardment killed a soldier on March 30.
The Amal movement advised, “For your safety and that of your families, it is recommended to stay in safe places away from tension zones until an official cease-fire including Lebanon is announced,” with similar calls from the Islamic Mission Scouts [Rissala] and the Islamic Health Committee.
Hezbollah also issued guidance for an “honorable return” if an official cease-fire is declared, warning of Israeli forces along the border. It called on residents in the western sector not to go to the villages of Bayada, Naqoura, Tayr Harfa, Jibbein, and Shihine “without consulting the competent authorities.” In the center of the border strip, people should avoid Srebbine, Rshaf, and Haddatha, where “enemy forces are present,” and the road between Beit Yahoun and Bint Jbeil. Travel to the valleys of Houjeir and Slouki is also discouraged as the roads are “closed.”
North of the Litani, a resident of Sarafand displaced to Saida said he won’t return immediately: “I’ll check my house and come straight back.” Another woman said she won’t return to Nabatieh “where the situation remains dangerous” and is “waiting for instructions from the state.” Several municipalities, including Kfar Remmane in Nabatieh and the border villages of Bint Jbeil and Adaisseh, also urged residents not to rush back.
Reporting by our regional correspondent, Mountasser Abdallah.
