After almost 14 months of bombings, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, quieting the skies above southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The truce, brokered by the United States, aims to be permanent, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of more attacks if necessary. While celebrations broke out in Lebanon, it remains unclear when displaced residents will be able to return home. The ceasefire reinstates an old agreement from 2006, with Israeli forces set to leave southern Lebanon and Hezbollah withdrawing to the north. The truce has been welcomed by many, including nearby countries and organizations, but has not addressed the ongoing violence in Gaza. In Israel, opinions on the ceasefire are divided, with some seeing it as a mistake that will not deter Hezbollah. The ceasefire offers a promise of respite for Lebanon after a year of violence that has devastated the country’s public services and infrastructure, leading to widespread displacement and death. Despite the general optimism, there are challenges to the peace agreement, such as the return of displaced persons and the potential for renewed conflict if terms are violated. Efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza are also ongoing, with President Biden engaging with regional actors in hopes of ending the violence there as well.
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