Is Lebanon included? Country hopeful for US-Iran ceasefire, despite doubts | Israel attacks Lebanon News
Ceasefire Agreement Announced in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Residents in Lebanon awoke Monday to the announcement of a new ceasefire agreement that reportedly involves both the United States and Iran. Iranian and Pakistani officials claim that Lebanon is included in this agreement; however, statements from Israeli officials have raised doubts regarding the cessation of hostilities that have plagued southern Lebanon since early 2023.
Videos circulated Monday showed some Lebanese citizens returning to their homes in the south, although officials urged caution, particularly for those coming from border villages, advising them to wait until the security situation improves.
Many individuals, like 55-year-old Ali Saleh from the village of Jwaya, face severe hardships. Displaced since early March and currently residing in a stadium in Beirut, Saleh expressed his reluctance to return home, as his house was damaged and he is grappling with financial difficulties.
The conflict escalated on March 2, 2023, when Israel intensified its military actions against Lebanon shortly after Hezbollah launched an attack in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. More than 3,700 people have been killed and nearly 12,000 injured in Lebanon since that time, with over 1.2 million individuals displaced from southern areas, Beirut’s suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley.
The Lebanese army cautioned citizens to remain vigilant upon their return, while officials stated that those from border areas should not attempt to go back for the time being.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that the agreement denotes the end of all military operations across various fronts, including Lebanon. This declaration was welcomed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who emphasized the necessity for practical steps to achieve lasting stability and reconstruction in the nation.
Nabih Berri, Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker and an ally of Hezbollah, also praised the agreement, recognizing the collaborative roles of several regional actors, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran.
Despite enthusiasm from some quarters, others remain skeptical about the agreement’s effectiveness. Qassem Kassir, a Lebanese political analyst, noted that while people are beginning to return home, clarity on the situation is still lacking.
Historical context adds layers of complexity to the current situation. Previous ceasefire agreements have faltered, with Israel continuing its military operations and Hezbollah preparing for potential conflict. The ceasefire announced in June and earlier agreements have shown limited success, as clashes have persisted.
Israeli officials have reacted assertively to the new agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized their commitment to maintaining a military presence in strategic areas to safeguard Israeli borders.
As of Monday afternoon, Hezbollah had reportedly not engaged in any military operations following the announcement of the US-Iran deal. However, local media noted that an Israeli drone strike killed a driver in southern Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions.
While some analysts express caution regarding the longevity of the ceasefire, others, like Kassir, are cautiously optimistic about the prospect of a more stable period for Lebanon. Yet, he noted that trust in the US and Israel remains low, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive security plan that reflects a national consensus.
