As a 10-day ceasefire came into force on Friday 17 April 2026, halting weeks of heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, residents began returning to southern Lebanese cities such as Nabatiyeh to find widespread destruction. Streets were strewn with debris, shattered glass and the remains of damaged buildings after strikes continued until the final hours before the truce.
Families started arriving the same morning, on foot or by minibus, stepping back into neighbourhoods they barely recognised. Many found their homes flattened or charred. Some paused in silence before entering what was left; others immediately began clearing dust and broken glass. A few shopkeepers reopened where they could, sweeping thresholds as a first gesture towards normal life, while neighbours sifted through rubble in search of documents, photos or anything salvageable.
