After nearly 14 months of relentless bombings, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday, bringing a momentary calm to the skies over southern Lebanon and northern Israel. This truce, facilitated by the United States, holds the potential for a rare diplomatic success in a region mired in multifaceted conflicts.
President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire on Tuesday, expressing hope for its permanence. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning that Israel would not hesitate to retaliate if Hezbollah re-arms or strikes again.
The announcement of the ceasefire sparked celebrations in Lebanon, with people dancing and singing in response to the news. Hala Saeed, a displaced Lebanese woman, expressed her joy at the prospect of returning home. Many began to load their cars with belongings, despite Israeli warnings to remain cautious.
Nonetheless, there are underlying feelings of sadness and caution amidst the celebrations. Residents like Kamal al-Haj Ali have welcomed the ceasefire while mourning the loss of their communities and loved ones. The conflict has claimed the lives of approximately 3,500 people in Lebanon, displacing 1.2 million individuals, while northern Israel has seen 60,000 people relocated.
The ceasefire effectively reinstates a prior agreement aimed at ending the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, which had not been fully implemented. Under United Nations Resolution 1701, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah retreating north of the Litani River. This area will then be monitored by 5,000 Lebanese army troops, who are not officially part of the conflict.
Netanyahu commented that the ceasefire presents an opportunity to shift focus towards Iran, while ensuring that any violations of the ceasefire would be met with a strong response. However, he did not provide guidance on when displaced residents in northern Israel might return home.
The conflict has inflicted considerable damage on public services and infrastructure in Lebanon, with over 100 healthcare centers in discordant areas shuttered. The ongoing violence has also compelled around 280,000 Syrian refugees, who had previously sought safety in Lebanon, to flee once more.
Despite the fast-moving situation, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri urged citizens to return to their hometowns, emphasizing their importance in the nation’s identity. While some began to heed this call, the Israeli military warned residents against moving towards certain villages. The conditions remain complex, as recent communications from the IDF indicate ongoing dangers in the designated zones.
Internationally, the ceasefire has been welcomed by various entities, including the European Union and Middle Eastern nations. Even the Palestinian militant group Hamas expressed support for the agreement, stating that it undermines Israel’s efforts to subdue resistance forces.
While hope emerges in Lebanon and Israel, the ongoing violence in Gaza casts a shadow over celebrations, as casualties continue to rise. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced efforts to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, planning engagements with key regional players to further the dialogue.
Inside Israel, public opinion on the ceasefire is split, with varying levels of support and opposition reflecting the complexities of the conflict. Some Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, openly criticized the ceasefire as a missed opportunity to take stronger action against Hezbollah.
The developments provide a glimpse of hope for many affected by the violence, as communities look towards rebuilding and healing after a prolonged period of conflict. As both nations navigate this fragile truce, it emphasizes the significance of diplomatic efforts in fostering peace and stability in the Middle East.