In Lebanon, amidst a fragile ceasefire, the Israeli military launched a decisive airstrike against a Hezbollah rocket launcher. The operation unfolded on the truce's third day, initiated with Hezbollah on Wednesday. The Israeli forces have issued a stern warning of resolute actions against any breaches in the ceasefire pact. Lebanon's military, however, has accused Israel of repeated agreement violations.
Israel carried out further attacks in southern Lebanon, striking Hezbollah weapon depots with precision drone strikes on Thursday. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naeem Qasim, on the third day of the agreement, affirmed the commitment to uphold the pact. He boldly declared, “I decide to announce we are marching towards a greater victory, surpassing even the triumph of 2006.”
In the wake of the ceasefire, a wave of Lebanese citizens began returning to their homes in southern Lebanon. While normalcy appears to be returning in Lebanon, residents across the border in Israel remain hesitant to return home. Northern Israel, near Lebanon, still harbors distrust towards Hezbollah’s assurances, alongside dissatisfaction with the Israeli government's decisions.
Reports indicate that the streets remain eerily quiet and homes vacant. Following the escalation of Hezbollah attacks post-October 8, 2023, thousands evacuated areas in northern Israel bordering Lebanon. The United Nations also intensifies its efforts to bolster the Lebanese army's presence in border regions during the ceasefire. However, Israeli concerns persist unabated, with Netanyahu's efforts not meeting expectations.
Following the ceasefire's announcement, a wave of joy swept over the displaced, who sang and danced with relief after months of living in fear of bombardments. The joy was fueled by the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal by Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the USA and France. However, displaced residents staged protests in Tel Aviv.
In Beirut's shelter homes, displaced persons expressed strong eagerness to return home post-ceasefire. Children especially look forward to returning to school with joy and anticipation. Alongside, there were demands for a ceasefire with Gaza as well. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, the streets echoed with protests by displaced individuals and their supporters, vehemently opposing the ceasefire agreement.
