The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, mediated by the US and France, has sparked mixed reactions across the globe. Many international leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, have expressed optimism, viewing the truce as a potential pathway to stability in the region. The Lebanese army, alongside UN peacekeepers, will oversee the buffer zone established by the agreement, which is grounded on UN Resolution 1701.
Despite this, the ceasefire faces notable resistance. Within Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government remains skeptical, with key figures like Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir branding the agreement a "historic mistake." His party, Otzma Yehudit, threatens to destabilize the coalition in protest. This dissent is echoed by a significant portion of Israeli citizens, as surveys reveal low support for the ceasefire among government backers.
On the ground, the ceasefire has enabled thousands of displaced Lebanese, including those from towns like Tyre and Bint Jbeil, to begin returning home. Yet, they are met with the harsh realities of widespread destruction left by the conflict. As the ceasefire holds, at least for now, the underlying tensions and broader regional issues, particularly in Gaza, remain unresolved.
The international community acknowledges the fragility of the ceasefire, with US President Joe Biden aiming to extend his diplomatic efforts towards achieving a similar truce in Gaza. However, the complexities of regional politics and ongoing hostilities cast a shadow over the possibility of lasting peace. The situation remains precarious, and the path to comprehensive regional stability is fraught with challenges.
