A Relief for Displaced Residents
A tenuous ceasefire negotiated between the United States and France appears to be stabilizing, allowing residents of southern Lebanon to return to their homes. Families displaced during nearly 14 months of conflict are now cautiously making their way back, despite warnings from both Israeli and Lebanese military authorities to steer clear of certain areas. This fragile peace brings hope for a cessation of hostilities that escalated dramatically following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The Context of Tension
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reignited after months of low-level skirmishes, culminating in an all-out war in mid-September 2024. This turmoil not only threatened to entangle Hezbollah’s backer, Iran, but also risked broadening the conflict across the region. The newly brokered ceasefire is particularly significant for the 1.2 million displaced Lebanese who have sought refuge, as well as for tens of thousands of Israelis uprooted from their homes near the border.
Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
Approved by the Israeli government late Tuesday, the ceasefire encompasses an initial two-month suspension of hostilities. The agreement mandates that Hezbollah withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon while requiring Israeli forces to retreat to their side of the border. Additionally, there will be an influx of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers into the area, with an international oversight panel led by the United States to ensure compliance. Israel has reserved the right to retaliate if Hezbollah breaches the ceasefire terms.
Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
While the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has led to relative calm in Lebanon, fighting continues in the Gaza Strip. Recent reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicate that 33 additional bodies had been retrieved over the previous 24 hours, raising the grim total to 44,282 casualties during this prolonged conflict. Amid these dire circumstances, US President Joe Biden expressed intentions to revive discussions aimed at addressing the crisis in Gaza.
International Monitoring and Future Prospects
As the ceasefire takes effect, Israel maintains an aggressive stance against Hamas, targeting numerous sites in northern Gaza that it claims are used for military operations. The Israeli military reported taking precautions by warning civilians to evacuate affected areas prior to strikes. While the situation remains precarious, the international community closely monitors developments, hoping that this ceasefire can serve as a stepping stone towards a more enduring peace in both Lebanon and the broader region.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Independent
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