The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel has been extended to mid-February following the expiration of the initial deadline, as violence continues to disrupt the region.
Extended Ceasefire in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions
Extended Ceasefire in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions
US and Lebanon negotiate an extension of the ceasefire with Israel, initially set to expire, amidst rising casualties.
Lebanon's ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel has just been extended until February 18, after it was initially set to expire Sunday. The move comes in response to escalating tensions and violence, with Israeli troops remaining stationed in southern Lebanon due to concerns over Lebanon's adherence to the terms of the ceasefire.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, confirmed that this extension was secured after discussions with US officials. The original ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, aimed to bring an end to 14 months of conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. Under the agreement, Hezbollah was given 60 days to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops were also expected to withdraw.
However, preceding the deadline, Israel announced that some military presence in the region would persist. A troubling report surfaced on Sunday from the Lebanese health ministry indicating that Israeli forces had killed 22 individuals and injured 124 more, highlighting the volatile state of security as residents attempted to return to their homes.
The resumption of the ceasefire holds significance as thousands of citizens have started to return to their villages near the border despite warnings about lingering dangers. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has reported firing "warning shots" in various locations, asserting that some individuals were posing an "imminent threat."
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah saw a dramatic escalation last September resulting in significant casualties, including around 4,000 deaths, predominantly among civilians, and the displacement of more than 1.2 million people due to Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. Amid these crises, Israel seeks to facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 residents who had fled northern communities due to Hezbollah's assaults.
With the looming negotiations over the return of Lebanese prisoners taken after the tumultuous events of October 7, 2023, the future of this ceasefire remains contingent upon both sides upholding their respective commitments to peace.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, confirmed that this extension was secured after discussions with US officials. The original ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, aimed to bring an end to 14 months of conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. Under the agreement, Hezbollah was given 60 days to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops were also expected to withdraw.
However, preceding the deadline, Israel announced that some military presence in the region would persist. A troubling report surfaced on Sunday from the Lebanese health ministry indicating that Israeli forces had killed 22 individuals and injured 124 more, highlighting the volatile state of security as residents attempted to return to their homes.
The resumption of the ceasefire holds significance as thousands of citizens have started to return to their villages near the border despite warnings about lingering dangers. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has reported firing "warning shots" in various locations, asserting that some individuals were posing an "imminent threat."
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah saw a dramatic escalation last September resulting in significant casualties, including around 4,000 deaths, predominantly among civilians, and the displacement of more than 1.2 million people due to Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. Amid these crises, Israel seeks to facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 residents who had fled northern communities due to Hezbollah's assaults.
With the looming negotiations over the return of Lebanese prisoners taken after the tumultuous events of October 7, 2023, the future of this ceasefire remains contingent upon both sides upholding their respective commitments to peace.
