Lebanese armed forces were deployed to several more villages in southern Lebanon on Monday, shortly after an announcement that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was being extended until February 18.
Lebanese forces partially re-entered the towns of Mais al Jabal and Houla, located along the southern demarcation line with neighbouring Israel.
Lines of cars and people carrying yellow Hezbollah flags were seen waiting at the entrance of the western sector of south Lebanon to enter their villages, accompanied by the Lebanese army.
“We are overjoyed that we can enter our villages in spite of the massive destruction,” one returnee said.
“My son was killed here; I want to see if he was properly buried,” said another man.
A large portion of the population in southern Lebanon are supporters of the Hezbollah militia or its allied Amal movement.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), tens of thousands of residents have returned to the south and other areas in Lebanon since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in November.
However, many towns near the border remain deserted due to the continued presence of Israeli troops.
Under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Hezbollah militia, the Lebanese army is tasked with securing the southern part of the country.
Hezbollah meanwhile is required to retreat north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometres from the southern border. (dpa/NAN)
