Lebanese persistently return to their homes in the south, undeterred by ongoing Israeli hostilities

Scores of vehicles, including cars and minibusses adorned with Hezbollah and Lebanese flags, made their way along the highway to southern Lebanon on Monday morning. Loud resistance songs echoed from their speakers, creating a powerful auditory display.

In a jubilant scene, men, women, and children crowded the streets, sharing sweets and celebrating the eagerly anticipated liberation of the southern region. This festive atmosphere followed the conclusion of a 60-day truce and the official withdrawal of occupying forces, marking a significant milestone.

The White House has formally announced the extension of the ceasefire agreement until February 18, in light of the ongoing slow pace of Israeli troop withdrawals and rising tensions at the border.

Despite the tragic loss of at least 25 individuals who were killed by the Israeli military on Sunday while returning home, the Lebanese population remains resolute, with their determination unwavering as they continue their journey homeward.

On Monday morning, Lebanon’s Acting Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram firmly stated that while the ceasefire has been extended, it should not be interpreted as acceptance of an Israeli military presence within Lebanese territory.

At 6 a.m. local time, Ahlam and her family embarked on their journey, arriving at the entrance of Aitaroun village. By 1:30 p.m., they remained stranded, as Israeli forces had erected imposing sand barriers, blocking the entrance.

Much like Ahlam, numerous individuals find themselves stranded on the peripheries of Aitaroun and adjacent villages. Despite the mounting pressures, their patience is continually tested, yet their determination remains unwavering.

The mayors of several towns have reported receiving threatening phone calls from unidentified individuals who purportedly identified themselves as Israelis. These callers warned the local leaders against permitting civilians to return to their residences near the border with the occupied Palestinian territories.

Protestors have been gathered since nearly 8:00 a.m., but have so far been unsuccessful in entering their town. “We are determined to stay and reclaim our lands, even with our bare hands,” Ahlam said, speaking to Press TV website. She emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration, noting, “As you can see, I have no weapons, nor does anyone around me.”

Lebanese citizens demonstrated steadfast determination as they confronted Merkava military tanks and Israeli occupation forces on Sunday and Monday. Unarmed yet resolute, they called for the withdrawal of what they termed occupiers from their ancestral lands.

A compelling and moving video featuring a Lebanese woman went viral on social media on Sunday, illustrating a moment of remarkable determination and unwavering spirit.

In a dramatic scene, a woman resolutely confronted a Merkava tank, her unwavering voice echoing with determination as she declared, “This is our land, our land.” Demonstrating a symbolic act of defiance, she stooped to gather a stone, underscoring her steadfast resistance.

Ahlam reported to Press TV’s website that Israeli occupation forces had opened fire on the crowded streets at the entrance of Aitaroun. The action appeared to be an effort to intimidate residents returning to their homes.

Fear was absent from their hearts as one individual declared, “We do not fear. We are prepared for martyrdom, but we refuse to surrender our land.” Her statement resonated with the resolute spirit of defiance that permeated the gathering.

Aitaroun, a border village situated in southern Lebanon, has been subjected to continuous Israeli assaults and bombardments since September of the previous year. However, the resilience of its residents endures.

A young man stationed at the entrance of Aitaroun described the event as a “miracle,” signifying the determination and resolve of the community.

In a statement to Press TV, an individual described a harrowing encounter with Israeli forces, stating, “We, unarmed and undeterred, confronted the Merkava tanks and snipers without fear. We advanced into Aitaroun, but came under fire, resulting in one man being shot in front of me.”

However, I remained undeterred and maintained my position until a formal request for withdrawal was issued by the Lebanese army.

In a resolute statement, she paid tribute to the martyred leader of the Lebanese resistance, emphasizing her unwavering stance.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah remains a central figure of discussion in the community. “He is present among us. We shall not surrender or lose hope, nor will we abandon our land. Sayyed Hassan has consistently been our protector, and now we stand as his adherents and students,” she affirmed.

“The moment has arrived for us to demonstrate our identity to the global community. While we commit to justice and fairness for all, we firmly stand against any attempts to intimidate us, encroach upon our territory, or treat us as inferiors.”

Images of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah permeate the landscape, prominently displayed on vehicles, along street avenues, and held closely by individuals of all ages, serving as powerful emblems of steadfast loyalty and resistance.

In the early morning hours, the Lebanese army commenced operations to escort convoys of returnees to the border town of Mais al-Jabal.

A resident of Mais al-Jabal, identified as Mariam, expressed defiance in remarks to the Press TV website, stating, “We do not fear external pressures, and we will not heed President Trump’s directives on when we can return to our homeland. Regardless of external commentary, we are the indigenous people, and to our land, we will return permanently.”

Despite the gradual and anticipated withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Mais al-Jabal, residents have observed intermittent gunfire, underscoring the persistent reluctance of the opposition to fully cede control.

According to video evidence and eyewitness accounts, the Lebanese Armed Forces are poised for deployment in strategic areas, specifically in the neighborhoods of Houla, Markaba, and Mais al-Jabal.

However, the transition has been marred by violence. At the entry point of Houla, Israeli forces opened fire on Lebanese civilians, resulting in multiple injuries. Ambulances were dispatched urgently to transport the wounded for medical treatment.

In Khiam, a wave of resolute determination swept through the streets as residents mobilized across various neighborhoods, prominently displaying Hezbollah and Lebanese flags from vehicles, including cars and motorcycles.

The residents’ presence served as a powerful declaration of ownership, defiance, and an unwavering bond with the land. Nevertheless, Israeli occupation forces maintained their presence in other areas of the town, their influence still palpable.

Hussein from Khiam expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of Hezbollah, asserting that the organization’s greatest strength lies not in its arsenal of missiles or firearms, but in its unwavering willpower and commitment to its people and territory. He further lauded the Lebanese army for its dedication to assistance and protection, emphasising its role as a pivotal ally. Hussein’s comments were reported by the Press TV website.

Despite a ceasefire agreement and a deadline set for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory by Sunday at 4 a.m. local time (GMT 02:00), the Israeli government has openly defied the terms of the accord.

An Israeli military spokesperson has issued a cautionary advisory, urging residents to avoid returning to their homes in southern Lebanon. This comes despite the fact that occupation forces were mandated to withdraw and facilitate the citizens’ return to their residences.

Residents of Kfar Kila, Khiam, Aitaroun, Mais al-Jabal, Houla, and surrounding regions demonstrated remarkable resilience as they returned to their homeland on Sunday and Monday. Despite looming threats, their unwavering determination was evident as they marched steadfastly back to their terrain.

Occupation forces responded with anticipated severity, opening fire indiscriminately, resulting in the loss of at least 25 lives and injuring over 90 individuals on Sunday.

On Monday, reports emerged indicating that a civilian was killed and others sustained injuries.

Tensions are escalating in Lebanon as the newly formed government in Beirut faces difficulties in implementing the ceasefire agreement and pressuring Israel to withdraw, observers report.

The populace has made their intentions unmistakably clear: they refuse to await negotiations or plead for justice. Rather, they are resolute in their commitment to reclaiming their homeland on their own terms and with urgency.