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Lebanese in Syria return home despite Israeli bombardment of crossings

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
27 Nov 2024 21:10

Following the ceasefire agreement, over 150,000 Lebanese citizens began returning from Syria to their homes in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and the Southern Suburb of Beirut.

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Displaced residents returning from Syria sit in traffic amid roadworks to reopen the al-Masnaa border crossing, in eastern Lebanon, following the ceasefire in Lebanon and 'Israel', on Nov. 27, 2024. (AP)

Parallel to the return of Lebanese citizens to southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and the Southern Suburb of Beirut after the ceasefire with "Israel" took effect, those who had fled to Syria began heading toward the border crossings to return to their villages and towns.

Since the announcement of the ceasefire, the movement of Lebanese citizens returning to their homes has intensified. The Syrian cities where they had been residing saw heavy and rapid movement, with the number of returnees exceeding 150,000, according to Al Mayadeen's correspondent.

Lebanese citizens returned through the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing, which began rehabilitation efforts hours after the cessation of hostilities. Additionally, the al-Jousiya crossing, located in the al-Qusayr region of southwestern Homs, was reopened on an emergency basis to facilitate the return of displaced Lebanese.

From the al-Masnaa point on the Lebanon-Syria border, Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirmed heavy traffic and large numbers of Lebanese returning from Syria. People had started gathering before the Lebanese Ministry of Public Works announced the repair of crossing points targeted by Israeli airstrikes.

The ministry instructed its technical teams to fill the craters caused by the Israeli aggression along the al-Masnaa road, and the crossing was reopened after it had been hit by more than four Israeli airstrikes.

Additionally, footage showed significant damage at the al-Dabousiya border crossing on the Syrian side due to the Israeli aggression.

#بالفيديو | دمار كبير جراء العدوان الإسرائيلي في معبر الدبوسية الحدودي من الجهة السورية المتاخمة للحدود اللبنانية الشمالية.#الميادين_لبنان #لبنان pic.twitter.com/KifkqsHlBK
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) November 27, 2024

Berri to the displaced: 'Return to your lands; the legacy of martyrs'

Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri paid tribute to the martyr of the nation, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who entrusted him with "the responsibility of political Resistance," in a speech delivered after the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Berri commended the resilience of the Lebanese people in overcoming the aftermath of the Israeli aggression, which has now ceased, ushering in a new phase for the country.

He emphasized the importance of unity, calling this period one of the most dangerous challenges Lebanon has faced, threatening its very foundations and demanding a unified response to preserve the nation.

Addressing the displaced citizens, Berri urged them to return to their lands, calling these areas "the legacy of the martyrs," cultivated by their sacrifices and crowned with victory.

"Even if you must live on the rubble, return to your lands that the Resistance has turned into embers that cannot be stepped on," he declared.

Finally, Berri appealed to all political forces to embrace unity during this critical time, asserting that "this is not a moment to dance over the bloodshed but to safeguard Lebanon as one nation." He called on all stakeholders to recognize the gravity of this historical moment and work collectively to ensure Lebanon's stability and future.