Thousands Return to Southern Lebanon as Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Takes Effect
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday at 4 a.m. (02:00 GMT), marking the end of nearly 14 months of intense cross-border conflict that claimed thousands of lives. The agreement was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, who described the cessation of hostilities as a step toward ending the “devastating” violence.
Displaced Civilians Begin Returning Home
In defiance of Israeli military warnings, tens of thousands of displaced civilians began returning to southern Lebanon. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri urged all displaced citizens, including those living abroad, to come back and rebuild their lives.
“Your land grows stronger with your presence,” Berri said in a televised address. “Bring life back to neighborhoods devastated by Israeli aggression. Victory for the land lies in your return.”
Terms of the Ceasefire
The agreement outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days, with the Lebanese army taking over security in the region. While Hezbollah did not directly participate in the ceasefire negotiations, Berri mediated on the group’s behalf.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, called for national unity, describing the conflict as one of the most harrowing periods in the country’s history. He emphasized the Lebanese army’s role in maintaining security and urged Israel to adhere to its withdrawal commitments.
International Support and Commitments
In a joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to work with both Israel and Lebanon to ensure the ceasefire’s implementation. They also promised to support the capacity-building of the Lebanese Armed Forces and promote economic development to foster regional stability.
Casualties and Destruction
The conflict, which began in October 2023 when Lebanon attacked Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, escalated last month with Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon. At least 3,823 people have been killed and over 15,000 injured in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks.
In the hours leading up to the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes continued to target Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing at least seven people and wounding 37 in a strike on a building housing displaced civilians. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Monday’s attacks alone claimed 31 lives, mostly in the south.
Push for a Gaza Ceasefire
The announcement of the ceasefire comes as Biden’s presidency nears its end, with Republican President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office on January 20. Biden acknowledged the ceasefire does not address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where efforts to broker peace have so far failed.
Nevertheless, he pledged to intensify diplomatic efforts with nations including Turkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza during his remaining days in office. Biden also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, which have been stalled by the conflict.
