Ceasefire Crumbles as Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Escalate, Risking Renewed Conflict
December 23, 2024Despite 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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New Statesman • Dec 23, 2024
The unbearable fragility of Lebanon’s ceasefire deal