Lebanon’s parliamentary speaker, Nabih Berri, has described the recent conflict with Israel as the “most dangerous phase” in the country’s history, urging displaced residents to return to their homes despite Israeli military warnings that it may not yet be safe.
In a televised address, Berri asserted that Lebanon had successfully “thwarted the effect of the Israeli aggression” and praised the nation’s resilience, highlighting its “cohesion and national unity” during the war.
Return of Displaced Amid Uncertainty
As many as 900,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict, which has centered on the volatile southern border. Despite continued caution from Israel’s military, streams of vehicles carrying families and belongings have been seen heading south in hopes of resettling.
The speaker paid tribute to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, assassinated in Beirut by Israeli forces in September, further cementing Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s political and military landscape during the conflict.
Ceasefire Brokered by the US Holding
A 60-day ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, and so far appears to be holding. The deal was designed to de-escalate tensions between Hezbollah and Israel after weeks of violence.
However, Israel’s military remains on high alert. Earlier on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported firing warning shots at suspected Hezbollah operatives in the Lebanese village of Kfarkela, near the Israeli town of Metula, which lies across the UN-drawn blue line separating the two nations.
“The IDF will act against anyone who tries to violate the ceasefire agreement, and will not allow harm to the security of the residents of Israel,” the Israeli air force stated, emphasizing its readiness to strike within Lebanon if necessary.
Global and Regional Reactions
The international community has largely welcomed the ceasefire. Jordan expressed hopes that the agreement could lead to broader efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, while Turkey called for Israel to pay reparations for damages caused during its military operations in Lebanon.
Hamas, embroiled in a separate conflict with Israel in Gaza, also reacted to the truce. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, told Reuters: “Hamas appreciates the right of Lebanon and Hezbollah to reach an agreement that protects the people of Lebanon, and we hope that this agreement will pave the way to reaching an agreement that ends the war of genocide against our people in Gaza.”
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue in northern Gaza, with reports of at least 15 fatalities on Wednesday morning, underscoring the broader regional instability despite the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.
The ceasefire is seen as a tenuous pause, with both sides maintaining readiness for potential escalation, highlighting the fragility of peace in a region plagued by decades of conflict.
