The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has brought temporary relief, prompting displaced residents of southern Lebanon to return to their homes amid celebrations. Despite the joy, apprehension persists as Israel has warned of retaliation if the ceasefire is breached. Thousands have defied Israeli warnings to avoid evacuated areas, even as recent clashes claimed 42 lives in Lebanon on Tuesday. The agreement marks a tentative pause in the conflict triggered by the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which spread unrest across the region.
While the truce signals progress, it excludes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 44,000 have died and 104,000 have been injured in the prolonged conflict. Hezbollah’s offensive following the Hamas attack led to an escalation into full-scale war, with Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations intensifying across Lebanon. Whether the ceasefire will hold remains uncertain amid regional instability.