TEL AVIV, Israel, and BEIRUT – The Lebanese capital Beirut erupted in celebratory gunfire overnight Tuesday as a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon began to take hold, putting an end to nearly 14 months of conflict. The truce, facilitated by the United States and France, officially commenced at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, although there were reports of continued fighting leading up to the ceasefire, with Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon persisting late into the night.
The ceasefire agreement, aimed at bringing peace to the region, calls for a 60-day timeframe for Hezbollah fighters to withdraw south of the Litani River, creating a buffer between the militants and northern Israel. In return, Israeli forces are expected to similarly retreat to the Israeli side of the border. To maintain security in the area, the deal mandates the deployment of thousands of Lebanese government troops, along with U.N. peacekeeping forces known as UNIFIL. Additionally, a U.S.-led international panel will be responsible for monitoring any violations of the ceasefire terms.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah flared up after Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel in support of Hamas following an attack by the Palestinian militant group on Israel last year. The fighting, which escalated when Israel launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah’s fighters and weapons capabilities along the border, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides – over 3,700 people in Lebanon and approximately 80 individuals in northern Israel have lost their lives.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high as Israel maintains a cautious stance on allowing residents to return to their homes in the border region. Israeli Education Minister, Yoav Kisch, emphasized the need for a 30 to 60-day period to repair and renovate buildings and institutions damaged by Hezbollah attacks before residents are permitted to come back.
The international community, including Iran and Israel’s Arab neighbors, has expressed support for the ceasefire, hoping it will lead to stability and peace in the region. However, doubts persist among some Israelis and Palestinians about the longevity of the agreement and the potential for continued conflict. In Gaza, concerns linger about the implications of the ceasefire on the ongoing military offensive there, while in Lebanon, the path to return for many displaced individuals appears fraught with obstacles due to the widespread destruction caused by the conflict.