Lebanese Return to Villages in Area Israel Begins Handover

Thousands of Lebanese civilians have returned to villages in a border zone that Israel is beginning to hand over to the Lebanese government under a United States-brokered plan. The area, sometimes called a 'pilot zone,' includes villages that many residents say were never fully occupied by Israeli forces during the recent conflict. The plan involves Israel transferring control of certain areas it holds in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers. This move is part of a broader agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the disputed border. While Israel says it occupied these areas to protect its northern communities, many locals argue that their villages remained under Lebanese control throughout. Residents returning to their homes expressed relief, though some raised concerns about the presence of unexploded ordnance and damaged infrastructure. The Lebanese government has urged citizens to exercise caution as the handover proceeds. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is monitoring the process and providing support. This development marks a significant step in implementing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended months of fighting in 2024. The peaceful return of residents is seen as a positive sign, but analysts warn that the underlying disputes over territory and security remain unresolved.