Ruptly
"Residents of the Lebanese town of Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley returned to their homes on Saturday following a ceasefire with Israel, after nearly a month of relentless fighting, airstrikes, and displacement. Footage captures the aftermath of airstrikes with widespread destruction to properties, cars, and businesses visible throughout the town as residents work to clear the rubble. Residents expressed that they were overcome with emotion upon returning to their beloved town. "It felt as if I was reborn. No matter where one goes, happiness can't be found like it is at home. I arrived here and burst into tears," said Layla Al-Khatib. "I cannot leave the town not knowing what happens to it. I cherish it deeply, though I temporarily left it, but it has sacrificed so much. Our martyrs were all our relatives, neighbours, and friends. They are all from this town," added Saleh Qamar Mayor of Sohmor, Mohammad Al-Khishen, outlined the vast devastation caused by the heavy shelling across the region, warning that returning residents must remain cautious despite the ceasefire. "Approximately 75% of the town's residents had returned, although the region remains without water and electricity," he explained. "Of the five main power stations here, the primary one with a capacity of 1,000 kilowatts is out of service, and four smaller stations, each with a 250-kilowatt capacity. Overall, electricity is cut off from roughly 70 to 80 percent," he added. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported alleged Israeli airstrikes on Sohmor, with the most recent attack taking place on Thursday. Earlier, on March 30, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee had issued warnings for residents of Zellaya, Libbaya, Yohmor (Western Al-Beqaa), Sohmor (Western Al-Beqaa), Qellaya, and Dlafy to evacuate and head toward the northern town of Qaraounin. US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which came into force on Friday. This announcement was preceded by direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington DC, marking the first such negotiations in decades."
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