The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, aimed at halting a year-long conflict, has come under strain as both sides accuse each other of breaching the truce. On Thursday, the Israeli military confirmed an airstrike on a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon, allegedly used for storing mid-range rockets. This marked the first Israeli strike since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday morning.
Israel’s military also reported opening fire at suspected vehicles in the southern zone, claiming this was a breach of the truce with Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. In response, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of violating the agreement, particularly accusing Israel of attacking villagers returning to their homes.
The Lebanese army supported Hezbollah’s claims, stating that Israel had breached the ceasefire multiple times over the past two days. The escalation highlights the fragility of the ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and France, which is intended to last for 60 days and aims to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, fighting in parallel with the Gaza conflict.
The ceasefire’s terms include dismantling unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River but do not address facilities north of the river. Israel’s airstrike occurred near Baysariyah, north of the Litani, a region designated as a no-go zone. Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s military has maintained a curfew in the southern areas, restricting civilian movement between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily.
The ceasefire comes after months of deadly confrontation, with Hezbollah’s strikes killing 45 civilians in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have claimed nearly 4,000 lives since October 2023, with at least 16,000 injured. The terms of the ceasefire allow Israel 60 days to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, but both sides are prohibited from launching offensive operations.
Despite the temporary cessation of hostilities, tensions remain high. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its vigilance, with its fighters on high alert to respond to any violations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has called for renewed efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israeli strikes continue, further complicating the fragile peace in the region.
