Fragile Lebanon Ceasefire Faces Challenges

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is under significant strain after deadly airstrikes and mortar exchanges raised fears of renewed conflict.

On Monday night, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed ten people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters, weapon launchers, and infrastructure, marking the most extensive Israeli action since the ceasefire was brokered last week. Israel called on Lebanese authorities to curb Hezbollah’s “hostile activity.”

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah launched two mortar rounds at an Israeli military base near the disputed border, citing what it described as “repeated violations” by Israel. The attack caused no casualties but heightened tensions.

The ceasefire, mediated by the United States and France, officially began last week to end 14 months of hostilities. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the violations but stated that the truce is “largely holding.”

The agreement includes:

• A 60-day window for Hezbollah to withdraw its armed presence from the area between the Blue Line—the unofficial Israel-Lebanon border—and the Litani River.
• A corresponding withdrawal of Israeli forces from the same region.
• Deployment of Lebanese army units and UN peacekeepers to secure the area.

The conflict erupted on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. Israel responded with a robust military campaign against Hezbollah, citing security concerns for its displaced northern residents.

Lebanese officials report over 3,960 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and one million displaced individuals during the hostilities. These figures underscore the human toll of the violence, particularly in Hezbollah-dominated regions.