A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect, even as the Lebanese army warns of alleged violations shortly after the truce began.
The ceasefire came into force at midnight on Friday, marking a significant pause in hostilities after weeks of intense fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Despite the agreement, the Lebanese army cautioned residents against returning to southern regions, citing “several Israeli acts of aggression” in the area.
Nonetheless, displaced civilians were seen heading back home in large numbers, with vehicles crowding major routes, including the coastal highway leading south.
One resident, Alaa Damash, said people were aware of the risks but driven by attachment to their homes.
“The people’s love for their lands and houses… pushed them to go back there despite the fire threats,” she said.
Return amid uncertainty
The truce has prompted a wave of returns by displaced persons, many of whom had fled following Israeli evacuation warnings and sustained bombardments.
Scenes showed long queues of vehicles and damaged infrastructure, including bombed bridges, as residents attempted to access their communities.
However, the situation remains fragile, with lingering security concerns and reports of sporadic gunfire in parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Military tensions persist
Israel’s military said it had struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon before the ceasefire took effect and remains on high alert.
The development underscores the volatility of the situation, even as both sides publicly commit to the temporary truce.
Diplomatic push
US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ahead of the ceasefire.
According to Mr Trump, both leaders agreed to the truce “in order to achieve peace between their countries.”
He added that the two leaders are expected to visit the White House within days, raising prospects of further diplomatic engagement.
Broader implications
The ceasefire is also linked to wider geopolitical efforts involving Iran and the United States, with Tehran insisting that any broader agreement must include a Lebanon truce.
The fighting began on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes.
While the ceasefire offers temporary relief, early violation claims and continued military readiness highlight the fragile nature of the truce and the challenges ahead in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
f3ozdf