A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon came into effect on Wednesday, bringing a halt—at least temporarily—to a conflict that has raged for 14 months, claiming thousands of lives and displacing over a million people.
The truce, brokered with heavy diplomatic input from the United States, represents a precarious effort to de-escalate one of the Middle East’s deadliest flashpoints. It began at 4 a.m. local time, yet the scars of war were still visible in southern Beirut, where celebratory gunfire rang out in neighbourhoods battered by Israeli airstrikes in recent weeks.
The Israeli military has warned civilians against returning to southern Lebanon, citing security risks, while Hezbollah has vowed to resist any compromise on Lebanese sovereignty. For now, there have been no reported breaches of the ceasefire.
Shifting dynamics on the ground
Under the terms of the agreement, Hezbollah must withdraw its armed units from southern Lebanon, and Israeli troops are required to pull back across the border. Meanwhile, thousands of Lebanese soldiers, supported by UN peacekeeping forces, are to deploy in the contested area, a move that could redefine control of this volatile region.
Yet, tensions remain high. Israel has made clear that any violation of the agreement will provoke a forceful response. “If Hezbollah attempts to rearm or breaches this truce, we will act decisively,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a televised address on Tuesday, urging caution among his ministers.
Hezbollah, while accepting the ceasefire, has expressed scepticism. A senior official, Mahmoud Qamati, stated that the group would review the final terms to ensure Lebanese sovereignty remains intact. “We want an end to aggression, but not at the expense of our rights,” he told Al Jazeera.
Human cost and broader implications
The war has exacted a devastating toll. Lebanese health officials report over 3,760 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israeli airstrikes have displaced 1.2 million people. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah fighters but has itself suffered casualties, with 75 civilians and 50 soldiers lost in the conflict.
The ceasefire does not extend to the parallel war in Gaza, where Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages. President Joe Biden described the Lebanon truce as “good news,” while reiterating calls for a resolution in Gaza. “This agreement has the potential to reduce the risk of a wider regional war,” he said, acknowledging Iran’s influence over both Hezbollah and Hamas.
With Israel and Hezbollah locked in mutual distrust, the international community remains wary. While the ceasefire provides a glimmer of hope for stability, the prospect of a durable peace still feels remote in a region fraught with competing ambitions and historical grievances.
For now, both sides remain armed and alert, with the weight of international scrutiny bearing down on their next moves.
