Southern Lebanon
What happened to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah regarding Lebanese families returning to their border villages?
Lebanese families were supposed to return to their villages near the border in late January following a ceasefire agreement that ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in November. The agreement was intended to allow displaced residents to go back to their homes along the border region. However, Israel delayed its military pullout until Tuesday, preventing families from returning as scheduled. This delay extended the displacement period for Lebanese villagers who had been forced to flee during the prolonged 14-month conflict.
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Al Jazeera English
00:04 - 00:18
How has the conflict with Israel affected the villages and lives of returning Lebanese families in places like Kfarkila?
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, many returning families find their villages completely unrecognizable with much of their lives effectively erased. The report highlights Kfarkila as one of the areas most severely impacted by the conflict, having suffered intense fighting and bombardment. Residents returning home are confronted with devastating destruction that has transformed their communities beyond recognition. The physical damage represents not just structural loss but the erasure of their personal histories and community landmarks, making the return particularly traumatic as they attempt to rebuild their lives amid the ruins.
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Al Jazeera English
00:36 - 00:49
What are Lebanese families experiencing as they return to their villages after the ceasefire with Israel and Hezbollah?
Lebanese families returning to their border villages following the November ceasefire that ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah are finding their communities unrecognizable. Despite being scheduled to return in January, Israel delayed its pullout until Tuesday, prolonging their displacement. Many residents express profound grief yet determination as they confront the extensive destruction of their homes and communities. Their emotional testimonies reveal both heartbreak and defiance, with one resident declaring they would "rather be buried there than elsewhere." For these families, returning home means confronting a drastically altered landscape where much of their previous lives has been erased.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)Al Jazeera English
00:04 - 00:43
What is Netanyahu's stance on the ceasefire with Hezbollah?
When the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that it didn't signal an end to the conflict with Hezbollah. Despite the agreement, Israeli strikes have continued to target what the Israeli military identifies as Hezbollah's assets. The Israeli military has explicitly stated its commitment to continue operations against Hezbollah if the Lebanese army fails to act against the group. This position demonstrates Israel's view of the ceasefire as a limited arrangement rather than a comprehensive resolution to hostilities.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)Al Jazeera English
01:49 - 02:10
How did Hezbollah get involved in the 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict?
Following the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah strategically entered the conflict by launching attacks from Lebanon's southern border. This intervention was deliberately designed to support Hamas in Gaza and threaten Israel on a second front, effectively creating a two-front war situation. The initial impact was significant, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate from northern towns and villages. Israel responded with counterattacks across the border, which displaced approximately 90,000 people in southern Lebanon. This escalation, combined with Israeli strikes on Iranian proxies and military officials, ultimately provoked Iran to launch its first-ever direct strike against Israel.
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Johnny Harris
11:20 - 12:04
How did Hezbollah evolve from a militia to a political entity in Lebanon?
Hezbollah transformed from a militia defending southern Lebanon against Israel into a legitimate political force within the country. This evolution gave them official status to continue their role as defenders while simultaneously developing into a political party that gained seats in Lebanon's legislature. Beyond military and political functions, Hezbollah now operates as a parallel government in areas under its control, providing critical social services to communities. This dual role as both a military defender and service provider has allowed the organization to establish deeper roots in Lebanese society while maintaining its original mission as the country's bulwark against Israel.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
Johnny Harris
09:01 - 09:23