Dozens of displaced Lebanese residents have begun returning to villages in southern Lebanon, marking the commencement of a "pilot zone" project aimed at facilitating Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas. Announced on Monday, the initiative is part of a broader framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, brokered by the United States, which is set to see Israel relinquish control over a limited number of locations.

The "pilot zone" plan is being implemented even as Israel continues its military operations in other parts of southern Lebanon, an escalation that began in March and has resulted in over 4,300 fatalities. The conflict has primarily involved Israeli forces and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, with Israel demanding Hezbollah's disarmament as a prerequisite for a complete withdrawal.

Al Jazeera spoke with residents in Froun and Ghandouriyeh, two villages in southern Lebanon where people have started returning following Israeli bombardment. The US designated Froun as one of three villages included in the first phase of the pilot zone initiative, with Ghandouriyeh reportedly slated for the second phase. However, some locals and Lebanese security sources have raised questions about the inclusion of these villages, asserting that they were not under Israeli occupation.

These residents view the inclusion of their villages in the "pilot zone" as indicative that Israel is not making substantial concessions under the agreement. They suggest it allows Israel to maintain its presence in areas it has effectively occupied. The villages of Froun and Ghandouriyeh are situated on hills overlooking several Israeli-occupied towns within the Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts.

The road connecting Ghandouriyeh and Froun presents significant dangers, with stretches overlooking the Hujeir Valley frequently targeted by Israeli fire. Israeli forces stationed in nearby occupied areas reportedly maintain surveillance over the route, monitoring any movement. Despite these risks, many families have begun a gradual return, not waiting for the full outcome of the framework agreement.

One such family is that of Abu Ali Miqdad, who utilized his heavy machinery to begin clearing the debris from a damaged building in Froun. The structure, which includes apartments and storage warehouses, is located at the village entrance.

The broader implications of the "pilot zone" plan remain under scrutiny, particularly concerning its effectiveness in achieving a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal. The discrepancies in reported occupation status highlight the complexities and potential challenges in implementing the agreement.

Further phases of the pilot zone project are anticipated, with the eventual handover of control to the Lebanese government being the stated objective. However, the current situation in Froun and Ghandouriyeh raises questions about the definition of occupation and the genuine extent of Israeli withdrawal under the new agreement.