Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah holds amid cautious optimism

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has taken effect, ending over 14 months of intense conflict that devastated southern Lebanon and heightened tensions across the region. Residents began returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite warnings from the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to avoid restricted areas.

Israeli forces remain stationed in southern Lebanon as part of a phased withdrawal outlined in the ceasefire agreement. An Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the withdrawal will be completed within the 60-day timeframe specified in the deal, contingent on adherence by all parties.

“This is a gradual agreement and withdrawal,” the official stated. “We need to ensure the mechanism is working effectively.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli troops opened fire on vehicles approaching restricted areas, citing immediate security threats. No casualties were reported. The official warned that Israel would respond decisively to any perceived threats to its forces.

The ceasefire does not extend to the ongoing war in Gaza, where efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly failed. Hamas welcomed the Hezbollah-Israel truce, expressing readiness to cooperate in any effort to end hostilities in Gaza.

In a statement, Hamas reiterated its demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced Palestinians, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange. However, Israel has resisted these conditions, particularly regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held in Gaza.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, was formally approved by Lebanon’s caretaker government. Under the agreement, the Lebanese military will gradually deploy in southern Lebanon, dismantling unauthorized military infrastructure and weapons production facilities.

The process will be monitored by UN peacekeepers, alongside representatives from the United States and France. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the truce as a step toward restoring safety along the Lebanon-Israel border, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the agreement.

The ceasefire coincides with renewed calls for political unity in Lebanon, which has been without a president since October 2022. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the truce, urged political factions to elect a unifying president to address Lebanon’s economic and institutional crises.

“This is a test for how we can save Lebanon,” Berri said in a televised address. “The moment of truth has arrived for us to rebuild our nation and restore life to its constitutional institutions.”

The prolonged conflict had exacerbated Lebanon’s economic challenges and deepened divisions among political groups, further complicating efforts to stabilize the country.

As the ceasefire holds, attention shifts to ensuring its implementation and addressing Lebanon’s internal political challenges. While the truce offers hope for stability along the border, the broader conflicts in the region remain unresolved, demanding sustained international mediation and local cooperation.