Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Begins in Lebanon

After more than a year of deadly hostilities, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah officially began on Wednesday at 4:00 a.m. local time (6:00 a.m. GST). The agreement, mediated by the United States and France, seeks to end cross-border conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced over a million people.

Brokered Ceasefire: A Diplomatic Push by Biden and Macron

The deal was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his government’s approval. Hezbollah, however, refrained from direct negotiations, with Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri mediating on its behalf.

Biden called the agreement “a step toward stability in the region” and emphasized its significance for Lebanon's future. Netanyahu, meanwhile, stressed the opportunity to shift focus toward Hamas and Iran, stating, “With Hezbollah neutralized, we can intensify pressure on Hamas and address the Iranian threat.”

Ceasefire Terms and Implementation

The agreement is grounded in UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. Key terms include:

• Withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon.
• Deployment of 5,000 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) troops between the Litani River and the Israeli border.
• Gradual Israeli troop withdrawal in three phases over 60 days, expected to be completed in one month.
• Rigorous monitoring by the UNIFIL peacekeeping force, alongside the US and French observers.

Lingering Concerns Over Sovereignty and Compliance

The ceasefire grants Israel the right to respond to violations, including arms transfers to Hezbollah, though Lebanon has deemed such actions a breach of sovereignty. Israel plans to monitor activities using drone surveillance, raising questions about enforcement and potential flashpoints.

Analysts remain cautious about the truce’s durability, with Lebanese civilians expressing mixed emotions. “This could bring peace, but the conditions are fragile,” noted political analyst H.A. Hellyer.

Cautious Optimism Amid Destruction and Displacement

Hours before the ceasefire took effect, intense Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s Hamra district, killing seven and injuring 37, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The conflict has left 3,823 dead in Lebanon and displaced over 1.2 million people. Israel has reported 82 soldier deaths and 47 civilian casualties.

Despite doubts, celebrations erupted in Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon. Crowds gathered in support of Hezbollah and its late leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in September.

With the ceasefire now in place, attention turns to whether this fragile peace can hold, and what it means for broader regional tensions, including ongoing violence in Gaza.

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