The Lebanese army has launched a pilot project enabling residents of Western Zavtar, which was heavily damaged in Israeli attacks, to see their homes and lands. Families were granted short-term visitation permits under the project.
Families who had been waiting for days at the entrance to return to their town were brought to the area in organized groups coordinated by the army. After getting the chance to see their homes and lands, residents left the area following their short visits.
The Lebanese army is not yet allowing families to return permanently as search and security operations continue in the area. Officials state that Western Zavtar suffered massive destruction during Israeli attacks and work for a safe return is ongoing.
"Living here is impossible under current conditions"
Zeyneb Nureddin, who had been waiting at the town entrance since early morning, expressed hope of returning home. "I will go see my destroyed house. God willing, we will return. Thank God. But living here is impossible under current conditions," she said.
Aliya Ebu Zeyn also expressed joy at returning to her home and land. "My house and my children's houses were completely destroyed. Despite that, I want to see what's left of my home. The army's presence here is very important for our safety. If allowed, I would like to stay in the town," she said.
Mervan Hreyç said they had been forced to stay away from their town for about three months. "All my thoughts were here. Before we left, our house was destroyed, and they burned the remaining houses. Israel did all of this. Today we are able to return thanks to our martyrs," he said.
Lebanese army deploys in town
The US State Department announced on July 20 that the pilot project was launched in the towns of Furun, Western Zavtar, and Srayfa. The project is being carried out under a framework agreement reached between Lebanon, the US, and Israel under the auspices of the Lebanese Military Coordination Group (MCG4L).
The Lebanese army announced on July 21 that it had taken position in Western Zavtar, north of the Litani River, and began search operations after Israeli forces withdrew. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also raised the Lebanese flag in Western Zavtar on July 22.
