Reconstruction Efforts Underway in Southern Lebanon Following Ceasefire

Kathmandu. Following the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, which was devastated by Israeli attacks, reconstruction efforts have intensified. The Lebanese army announced on Sunday that it has reopened key roads and bridges. However, despite the restoration of infrastructure, regional insecurity and uncertainty mean that civilian life has yet to return to normal.

According to a statement issued by the army, the main road connecting Nabatieh city to the Khardali region has been fully reopened, while the Burj Rahal-Tyre bridge has been partially opened. Additionally, restoration work is ongoing on the Tyre False-Tyre bridge following damage from Israeli strikes.

Attacks on bridges over the Litani River had effectively isolated the southern region from the rest of the country. The destruction of structures crossing this river, which flows about 30 kilometers north of Israel, severely impacted both movement and supply chains.

The 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which came into effect on Friday, follows the first direct negotiations in two decades. It has temporarily halted the intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which are estimated to have claimed approximately 2,300 lives and displaced over 10 million people.

With the ceasefire in place, the Lebanese army and local administration have prioritized clearing blocked roads and restoring transportation. Since the Qasmiyeh bridge reopened on Friday morning, many displaced citizens from the south have begun returning home to assess the damage.

However, the situation remains unstable. Many citizens are hesitant to return, remaining skeptical about the durability of the ceasefire. On Saturday, a large number of vehicles were seen returning from Sidon towards Beirut, indicating that many displaced persons are still forced to remain in temporary shelters.

Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati also warned that the ceasefire is only temporary and cautioned that Israel could resume attacks. He urged citizens not to rush home and to remain in safe locations until the situation is fully secure.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has been accused of continuing some attacks and demolition activities in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire. Furthermore, Israel has stated that a security line, similar to the 'yellow line' used in Gaza, has been implemented in southern Lebanon, signaling potential for further tension.

While the reopened roads and bridges provide a sense of relief, permanent peace remains elusive, and the regional situation suggests that further upheaval could occur at any time.