A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has officially commenced, sparking widespread celebrations across Lebanon, with celebratory gunfire echoing through Beirut as the truce began.
Ceasefire Announcement and Initial Reactions
United States President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on Thursday, confirming that the Iran-backed Hezbollah group was also included in the cessation of hostilities. Joyous scenes were reported throughout Lebanon, as residents fired into the air just after midnight in celebration, with barrages of gunfire ringing out across Beirut.
Displaced families have begun to move towards southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. However, officials have issued warnings against returning home until the stability of the ceasefire is firmly established.
Early Challenges and Statements
Early on Friday, the Lebanese army reported that Israel had committed violations of the ceasefire shortly after it took effect, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages. The Israeli military has yet to comment on these allegations.
Hezbollah released a detailed statement outlining its military operations against Israel throughout Thursday, noting its last attack occurred just 10 minutes before the ceasefire commenced. President Trump later used social media to urge Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire, stating, “I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!”
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since March 2, when the Iran-aligned Lebanese group joined the hostilities in support of Tehran. This engagement subsequently led to an Israeli offensive in Lebanon, marking a significant escalation 15 months after the last major conflict between the neighbours.
International and Regional Responses
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his agreement to the ceasefire was aimed at advancing peace efforts with Lebanon. However, he affirmed that Israeli troops would not withdraw from a “security zone” within Lebanese territory.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the announcement, describing the ceasefire as “a central Lebanese demand we have pursued since the first day of the war” and the primary objective of Tuesday’s meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials in the US.
President Trump also extended invitations to the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House for what he anticipates will be “the first meaningful talks” between the two countries since 1983.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the news, indicating it was part of a broader agreement with the US to pause the regional conflict. Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain also issued statements welcoming the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.
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