Lebanon displaced begin to return home , but some have nowhere to go | Israel attacks Lebanon News

What Happened

Following a ceasefire framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon signed on June 20, and a preceding US-Iran memorandum of understanding on June 17, thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon. However, many remain in displacement centres near Beirut's waterfront and the Sports City Stadium because their homes were destroyed. Israeli airstrikes have continued at reduced frequency: a drone strike killed three people in a vehicle in the Nabatieh region on June 26, according to Lebanon's National News Agency; two were killed in Nabatieh al-Fawqa on June 27; and one on June 28. Israeli troops set fire to homes in Ain Arab, Marjayoun region. Israeli forces remain in occupation of villages behind a military zone extending roughly 10 km into Lebanon, preventing returns even where homes stand. According to Al Jazeera, since the escalation began on March 2, Israeli operations have killed at least 4,247 people, wounded over 12,000, and displaced 1.2 million. Finance Minister Yassine Jaber estimated damages since March at $3-4 billion, compounding the $7 billion cost from the 2024 war.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The framework agreement marks a potential end to the most intense Israel-Hezbollah escalation since October 2023, but its fragility is exposed by ongoing Israeli strikes and a 10 km occupation zone. The humanitarian toll—4,247 killed, 1.2 million displaced—and reconstruction costs upwards of $10 billion risk destabilizing Lebanon’s frail economy and sectarian balance. The agreement's phased versus permanent status remains contested, and the inability of many to return to border villages could fuel resentment, delaying recovery and threatening the ceasefire.

Watch For

The next round of direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations this week will address return to border villages and reconstruction timelines. Monitor whether Israeli strikes fully cease and whether displaced populations from the occupied zone are permitted to return. Also watch for announcements on international reconstruction funding and any Hezbollah statements on the ceasefire framework.