Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Holds in Initial Hours, Civilians Return to South Lebanon

BEIRUT, Nov 27 – A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah held steady on Wednesday, following an agreement brokered by the United States and France. The deal, which marks a rare diplomatic success in the region, comes after more than a year of conflict between the two sides and broader unrest in the Middle East.

The ceasefire, which both Israel and Hezbollah accepted, has so far been largely effective, allowing for a temporary cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon. This agreement offers a moment of respite after weeks of intense fighting that resulted in significant destruction and displacement, particularly in southern Lebanon, which was heavily bombarded by Israeli forces in retaliation against Hezbollah’s actions.

Lebanese Army Readies for Deployment
The Lebanese Army, tasked with ensuring the ceasefire’s enforcement, has begun preparations to deploy forces in the south. The region, which had become a focal point of conflict, is now seeing a tentative return to normalcy as civilians begin to make their way back to their homes after being displaced by the fighting.

Lebanon’s southern regions and Hezbollah strongholds, including parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, were heavily targeted during the recent hostilities. However, the relative calm brought about by the ceasefire has allowed some of the displaced to start returning to their towns and villages, cautiously optimistic about the fragile peace.

Lebanese Prime Minister’s Call for Israeli Withdrawal
Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, called on Israel to respect the terms of the ceasefire and withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. His statement underlined the Lebanese government’s commitment to ensuring the cessation of hostilities is upheld, but also highlighted the ongoing concerns over Israeli military presence in the region.

The ceasefire deal, which is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough in a region known for its entrenched conflicts, has raised hopes for further stabilization, but experts remain cautious, noting that past truces in the Middle East have often been short-lived.

While the immediate hours following the ceasefire have brought relief to civilians, the situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether the ceasefire will hold over the long term. International actors, including the U.S. and France, continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping that this moment of peace can pave the way for more comprehensive negotiations and a sustainable resolution.

For now, the fragile calm remains, and Lebanon’s southern residents are slowly returning to their homes, hoping that this ceasefire could be the first step toward lasting peace in a region long marked by conflict.