"Hope and Caution as Israel and Lebanon Cease Fire Takes Effect A fragile 10-day truce has come into effect between Israel and Lebanon, bringing an end to a devastating conflict that has claimed over 2,100 lives and displaced more than 2.1 million people. The agreement, brokered by former US President Donald Trump, marks a tentative step towards peace, but its durability remains a pressing concern. As both sides have maintained their right to defend themselves if the truce is broken, the international community is holding its breath, waiting to see if the ceasefire will hold. Despite the optimism expressed by leaders on both sides, the road to lasting peace appears fraught with challenges. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to withdraw his troops from southern Lebanon, citing concerns over security and the threat of an invasion. Meanwhile, Lebanon demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the right for displaced residents to return to their homes. With the fate of the truce hanging in the balance, the world watches to see if this historic opportunity for peace will be seized or squandered. Continue reading to learn more about the complexities of this delicate situation."
António Guterres welcomes truce and says through spokesperson he hopes halt in fighting will ‘pave the way for negotiations’The US president, Donald Trump, has posted a short statement on Truth Social about the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.“May have been a historic day for Lebanon. Good things are happening!!!” Trump wrote, signing off as “President DJT”.A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect, pausing fighting in a devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 2,100 Lebanese people and displaced more than 2.1 million. The agreement was announced earlier by Donald Trump, who said he had spoken with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, and invited both leaders “for meaningful talks” at the White House. Both leaders welcomed the agreement. But how long the ceasefire will hold is the key question, as both Israel and Hezbollah have maintained their right to defend themselves if the truce is broken. Here’s our report.Netanyahu called it a “historic” opportunity for peace, though he refused to withdraw his troops from southern Lebanon during the pause in fighting. “We are remaining in Lebanon in an expanded security zone,” he said, due to the “danger of an invasion” and to prevent fire into Israel. “That is where we are, and we are not leaving.” The Israeli prime minister maintained that his key demand was dismantling Hezbollah. He has previously declared his intention to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River – about 30km from the border – while Lebanon demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and for displaced residents to be able to return to their homes. Continue reading...
