Information
Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, thousands of displaced Lebanese began returning to their homes, marking the end of a devastating conflict. The war, which intensified after Hezbollah’s cross-border fire in support of Hamas and subsequent attacks on Israel, resulted in 3,700 deaths in Lebanon, 1.2 million displaced Lebanese, and 50,000 displaced Israelis. Amid traffic jams on routes like Beirut to Sidon, people carried their belongings back to southern cities, including Tyre. Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri urged citizens to return, even to destroyed homes, calling this moment a turning point for Lebanon’s survival and history.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope that the ceasefire would open a “new page” for Lebanon, urging Israel to respect the terms and withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days. Mikati’s government committed to deploying more troops and security forces in southern Lebanon to ensure stability. He also highlighted the urgent need for political progress, expressing hope that the truce might pave the way for electing a president after over two years of political deadlock caused by divisions between Hezbollah and its opponents.
Source: Reuters, DW
So what
This is a positive step for peace in the region, and while it does not extend to the conflict in Gaza, it goes some way to stabilising the situation. However, this is all reliant on its holding, something that is certainly not guaranteed. Key to peace will be the Lebanese Army and the UN troops in Southern Lebanon, ensuring that Hezbollah doesn’t move back into the region. Additionally, it is possible that splinter groups within Hezbollah will attempt to cause trouble and attack Israel.
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