A ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. and France between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah could put an end to more than a year of cross-border fighting, impacting over 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis displaced from their homes. The deal requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. The ceasefire is set to last for 60 days, with both sides monitored for compliance by an international panel led by the U.S.
Hezbollah has agreed to give the ceasefire a chance, but its support hinges on clarity that Israel will not renew attacks. The agreement addresses Israel’s security concerns, but the ceasefire leaves lingering uncertainty about the future of the region. Israel has claimed victories over Hezbollah in the fighting, including the killing of key leaders and destruction of infrastructure. However, Hezbollah has put up heavy resistance, firing rockets and drones across the border daily.
The ceasefire does not directly address the ongoing and more deadly war in Gaza, where Hamas has been fighting Israel since 2023. Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages as a bargaining chip in ceasefire negotiations. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for urgent international intervention to resolve the question of Palestine and maintain regional stability. The ceasefire agreement may provide a temporary relief to the conflict in the region, but the long-term implications and resolution of the underlying issues remain uncertain.
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