JERUSALEM. Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants began a tenuous ceasefire early Wednesday, signaling a potential end to nearly 14 months of intense fighting. The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, has raised hopes for regional stability while leaving lingering questions about its durability.
The ceasefire took effect at 4 a.m., a day after Israel launched its most extensive airstrikes on Beirut since the conflict began. According to local authorities, at least 42 people were killed in strikes across Lebanon, underscoring the toll of recent escalations. Celebratory gunfire rang out in parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, heavily targeted in recent weeks, though no violations of the truce were immediately reported.
Under the agreement, Hezbollah is required to withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon, while Israeli forces are to pull back to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers will be deployed in the area, with an international panel led by the United States tasked with monitoring compliance over the next two months.
Despite the ceasefire, an Israeli military spokesman warned civilians against returning to southern Lebanon, stating in an Arabic-language post on X that the military remains positioned and alert. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this stance, declaring, “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack. For every violation, we will attack with might.” Netanyahu also emphasized that the ceasefire serves to isolate Hamas in Gaza and redirect focus to Israel’s primary adversary, Iran.
The ceasefire does not address the ongoing war in Gaza, where Hamas continues to hold dozens of hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden praised the agreement as “good news” and affirmed Israel’s right to resume operations if Hezbollah violates the truce. “This deal was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden stated during a speech in Washington, adding that efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza would be renewed.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a crucial step toward stability and the eventual return of displaced residents. Hezbollah has accepted the agreement but expressed reservations about its final terms. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” said Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, in an interview with Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state. Any violation of sovereignty is refused.”
The ceasefire comes amid fears of a wider conflict involving Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas. Earlier this year, Israel and Iran exchanged direct fire on two occasions, raising alarms about the possibility of an expanded war. Netanyahu’s office stated that while it appreciated U.S. efforts in securing the truce, Israel “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.”
As the region cautiously watches the ceasefire unfold, questions remain about its enforceability and the potential for further violence. The agreement may reduce the immediate risk of escalation, but the path to lasting peace appears fraught with challenges.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
