Ceasefire Crumbles as Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Escalate, Risking Renewed Conflict

December 23, 2024
Ceasefire Crumbles as Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Escalate, Risking Renewed Conflict
  • Despite the tensions, Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Qassem, reaffirmed the group's commitment to the ceasefire and to enforcing UN Resolution 1701, which establishes a buffer zone along the border.

  • A ceasefire agreement was established on November 27, 2024, bringing initial relief to Lebanon as peacekeeping troops moved towards the southern border with Israel, sparking public celebrations.

  • However, this relief was short-lived as hostilities resumed almost immediately, with both Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire just minutes before the ceasefire officially began.

  • Following the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon were reported, with authorities documenting 227 violations by mid-December, resulting in 30 deaths and 31 injuries.

  • In retaliation for these violations, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israeli military sites on December 2, which prompted further Israeli airstrikes that killed nine people in Lebanon.

  • Hezbollah's spokesperson condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks and urged intervention from the countries monitoring the ceasefire.

  • The resumption of hostilities has raised alarms about the possibility of a renewed full-scale conflict, reminiscent of the previous two-month war that resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and widespread destruction.

  • The success of the ceasefire hinges on the Lebanese Armed Forces' ability to work alongside UN troops to enforce military withdrawals, a daunting task given Hezbollah's entrenched presence in the region.

  • Concerns are mounting regarding the Lebanese Armed Forces potentially becoming embroiled in conflict, as they navigate the challenge of managing Hezbollah's military capabilities while meeting both Israeli and international expectations.

  • Experts warn that the ceasefire may only be a temporary solution, as Hezbollah's future actions will likely be influenced by its need to maintain domestic support and credibility following significant losses.

  • Both Hezbollah and Israel are navigating a complex political landscape, with Hezbollah potentially looking to rebuild and reassess its strategies in light of ongoing pressures.

  • Amid ongoing airstrikes, many displaced Lebanese civilians have returned home, driven by desperation to reclaim their properties after months of displacement.

Summary based on 1 source


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The unbearable fragility of Lebanon’s ceasefire deal

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