Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Faces Challenges
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, effective from November 27, 2024, was established to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the terms, Israel agreed to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah committed to moving north of the Litani River. A five-nation monitoring panel, led by the United States, oversees the ceasefire’s implementation, with 5,000 Lebanese troops deployed to enforce compliance.
Despite these efforts, reports of violations have surfaced. France documented 52 Israeli violations by December 2, 2024, and both sides have accused each other of breaching the agreement. The violations have resulted in civilian casualties, with three deaths reported in Lebanon since the ceasefire began.
This agreement follows the precedent of the 2006 Lebanon War, which ended with UN Resolution 1701 but saw repeated breaches by both sides. While the current ceasefire is designed to bring a lasting peace, its durability remains uncertain, with tensions persisting and historical grievances unresolved.
Gaza Ceasefire Set to Begin Amid Doubts
In a parallel development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire after 15 months of conflict, brokered by Qatar. Scheduled to take effect on January 19, 2025, the agreement includes phased exchanges of hostages and prisoners, Israeli military withdrawal from northern Gaza, and enhanced access for humanitarian aid. Plans include the delivery of 600 aid trucks into Gaza daily to address the dire humanitarian situation.
However, signs of instability have already emerged. On January 15, Israeli airstrikes killed 32 people in Gaza City, raising concerns over whether the ceasefire can hold. The agreement is set to last for 42 days, with further negotiations expected to solidify a longer-term solution.
Devastating Human Toll
The human cost of the conflicts has been immense. In Gaza alone, more than 44,000 people have been killed, and over 104,000 have been injured since tensions escalated. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, casualties remain lower but significant, with the ongoing conflict taking a toll on civilians.
A Fragile Step Toward Peace
While these ceasefire agreements represent progress, they remain fragile. Violations and unresolved issues threaten their longevity, with both regions bearing the weight of a long history of conflict.
International observers have expressed cautious optimism but stress the importance of mutual accountability and addressing the root causes of the violence. For now, the ceasefires provide a critical opportunity for peace, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
