The initial ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, brokered to end hostilities with Hezbollah, faces ongoing challenges as tensions continue to rise despite the extension.
**Lebanon and Israel Extend Ceasefire: A Fragile Peace Amid Rising Tensions**
**Lebanon and Israel Extend Ceasefire: A Fragile Peace Amid Rising Tensions**
Lebanese government and US officials announce the extension of a ceasefire with Israel, following increased violence and unmet conditions in the border region.
Lebanon has announced an extension of its ceasefire deal with Israel, now set to remain in effect until mid-February 2024. This development follows the expiration of the initial deadline, which had been scheduled for Sunday. The decision to prolong the ceasefire comes amid accusations from Israel that Lebanon has not fully adhered to its obligations regarding the removal of the militant group Hezbollah from southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that on Sunday, a clash resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and injuries to 124 others as civilians attempted to return to their homes after prolonged conflict in the region. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that following discussions with US officials, the truce would continue, extending the ceasefire initially agreed upon in late November.
The original ceasefire, aimed at ending 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, was facilitated by the United States and France. It mandated that Hezbollah withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon while Israeli forces were also required to retreat. The ceasefire was heralded by then-US President Joe Biden as a step toward a permanent cessation of hostilities.
However, Israeli forces declared that they would continue their deployment in the region beyond the deadline, citing that the ceasefire was not fully enforced by the Lebanese government. On Friday, just before the initial deadline, Israel stated that some soldiers would remain stationed, reinforcing their claim that certain security measures were still unmet.
The White House confirmed the new deadline of February 18, 2024, with negotiations anticipated to include discussions on the return of Lebanese prisoners who were captured after the October 7 attacks.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire agreement, thousands of Lebanese have begun returning to border towns and villages, although reports indicate heightened risks in the area. The Lebanese health ministry's death toll from recent violence underscores the precarious situation, with the Israeli military acknowledging that warning shots were fired in the vicinity, while claiming to have apprehended individuals who posed a threat.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has deep historical roots, with tensions rekindled after Hezbollah's engagement in solidarity with Palestinians following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with estimates suggesting that approximately 4,000 people, including many civilians, have died and over 1.2 million have been displaced due to the ongoing violence. As the situation evolves, the ceasefire remains a temporary measure in a complex and enduring conflict.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that on Sunday, a clash resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and injuries to 124 others as civilians attempted to return to their homes after prolonged conflict in the region. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that following discussions with US officials, the truce would continue, extending the ceasefire initially agreed upon in late November.
The original ceasefire, aimed at ending 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, was facilitated by the United States and France. It mandated that Hezbollah withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon while Israeli forces were also required to retreat. The ceasefire was heralded by then-US President Joe Biden as a step toward a permanent cessation of hostilities.
However, Israeli forces declared that they would continue their deployment in the region beyond the deadline, citing that the ceasefire was not fully enforced by the Lebanese government. On Friday, just before the initial deadline, Israel stated that some soldiers would remain stationed, reinforcing their claim that certain security measures were still unmet.
The White House confirmed the new deadline of February 18, 2024, with negotiations anticipated to include discussions on the return of Lebanese prisoners who were captured after the October 7 attacks.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire agreement, thousands of Lebanese have begun returning to border towns and villages, although reports indicate heightened risks in the area. The Lebanese health ministry's death toll from recent violence underscores the precarious situation, with the Israeli military acknowledging that warning shots were fired in the vicinity, while claiming to have apprehended individuals who posed a threat.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has deep historical roots, with tensions rekindled after Hezbollah's engagement in solidarity with Palestinians following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with estimates suggesting that approximately 4,000 people, including many civilians, have died and over 1.2 million have been displaced due to the ongoing violence. As the situation evolves, the ceasefire remains a temporary measure in a complex and enduring conflict.
