Ceasefire with Israel brings respite to Lebanon, but obstacles to peace remain

Celebration and Movement

As midnight approached, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began, marked by gunfire and fireworks in Beirut. Crowds gathered in the southern regions of Lebanon, the core area of Hezbollah, where revolutionary music echoed and yellow flags were waved as people set off toward their former homes. This pause in hostilities, initially set for ten days, follows a six-week conflict that left the nation reeling from significant loss.

Humanitarian Impact

Lebanese health officials report over 2,100 deaths and more than a million displaced, nearly one in five of the population. This has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Vehicles carrying mattresses and families riding motorbikes symbolize the ongoing displacement, though many are hesitant to return. In some zones, destruction is too severe, leaving residents with no place to rebuild.

Ceasefire Concerns

The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump, raises unanswered questions. Notably, it does not specify Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, sparking fears that parts of the country could remain under occupation. Israeli officials aim to establish a security buffer zone, several miles deep, which might restrict access for local residents. Additionally, Hezbollah’s weapons remain a contentious issue, with disarmament demanded by the US, Israel, and many Lebanese citizens.

Political Stances

Supporters of Hezbollah argue that the group is Lebanon’s sole protector in a fragile state. In a rare interview with the BBC, Wafiq Safa, a senior political council member, stated,

“We will never, ever disarm.”

He emphasized the inseparable bond between Hezbollah and Iran, calling their relationship “two souls in one body.”

President Joseph Aoun has warned that forcing disarmament could lead to violence, stressing the need for negotiations. Observers suggest that Iran will ultimately decide Hezbollah’s fate, given its influential role in the group’s operations.

Persistent Tensions

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel may continue targeting Lebanese areas for security reasons, potentially reverting to pre-conflict conditions. Hezbollah has remained silent on the matter. Trump hopes this could mark the start of efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Lebanon, a long-standing point of division. The two nations have technically been at war since 1948 and lack formal diplomatic ties. With occupation lingering and disarmament unresolved, progress on this front seems uncertain for now.