Lebanese Army Grants First Entry Permit to West Zawtar Residents

The Lebanese army granted residents of West Zawtar permission to enter the area for the first time since Israeli forces withdrew, as part of a pilot zone application. However, due to ongoing security work, permanent returns have not yet begun. The Lebanese army stated that mine and explosive search and clearance activities, as well as other security operations, are ongoing, and therefore, civilians are not yet allowed to return permanently. Lebanese officials also stated that West Zawtar was largely destroyed in Israeli attacks and that preparations for a safe return are ongoing. Zeynep Nurreddin, who waited from morning to see her home, said she wanted to see her destroyed home, saying, 'We will return, God willing. But it's not livable under these conditions.' Alya Ebu Zeyn stated that both her home and her children's homes were completely destroyed, but she still wanted to see the current situation. Ebu Zeyn emphasized the importance of the army's presence in the area for security and expressed her desire to stay in the area if permitted.