A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has officially come into effect in Lebanon, marking a significant pause after over a year of intense conflict. The ceasefire commenced at 04:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, following the announcement made jointly by Israel, France, and the United States on Tuesday evening. President Joe Biden expressed hopes for this ceasefire to lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Despite the ceasefire implementation, both sides engaged in attacks shortly before the deadline. Israel issued evacuation orders for various parts of Beirut and conducted strikes, while Hezbollah launched drones into Israeli territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned residents of southern Lebanon against approaching areas where evacuations were ordered, promising to notify them when it was safe to return.
The conflict, which began intensifying in late September, has led to more than 3,823 fatalities, making it one of Lebanon’s deadliest periods in recent history. The newly brokered deal stipulates that Israel will gradually withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days, with Hezbollah’s fighters and weaponry also being removed from the region south of the Litani River, a boundary established after the 2006 conflict.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire as a crucial step toward restoring stability and allowing displaced citizens to return home. However, he insisted on Israel’s full compliance with the agreement and adherence to UN resolutions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will respond militarily if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire. Meanwhile, a recent poll indicated that opinions among Israelis are divided regarding the ceasefire agreement.
The war has had devastating effects on Lebanon, resulting in extensive casualties and displacing around one million people. Amidst ongoing violence, both sides may find mutual interest in prolonging the ceasefire. Analysts suggest that this truce could also create ripple effects in ongoing negotiations regarding the Gaza conflict, as US officials aim to facilitate progress through collaboration with Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.
In summary, this ceasefire represents a potential turning point in the long-standing conflict, with hopes that sustained conversations and diplomatic efforts will eventually lead to lasting peace in the region. The cautious optimism surrounding this development highlights the importance of dialogue and compromise in addressing long-standing hostilities. This situation emphasizes the need for all parties to prioritize civilian safety and stability for the populations affected by the prolonged violence.