Lebanon: Hezbollah, Israel Strike Ceasefire Deal, India Welcomes Return Of Peace

BEIRUT: A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah held firm on Wednesday as displaced residents cautiously began returning to southern Lebanon. Vehicles loaded with personal belongings and supplies were seen heading toward the border, despite warnings from both Israeli and Lebanese military forces advising against immediate return to certain areas. 

The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, has brought a temporary halt to over a year of intense conflict, though the situation remains fragile.

The truce has ignited cautious optimism as thousands of displaced Lebanese families started returning to southern Lebanon with their cars full of luggage. The return is a hopeful shift, even though the Israeli and Lebanese militaries had warned people not to enter frontline areas.

Hezbollah will have to clear its armed presence under provisions of the peace agreement while the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers would take control of the area during the exit of Israeli forces.

The United States will lead the international council, which will follow up on compliance, but Israel holds the power in terms of addressing violations.

Such a truce, although giving a relatively short breathing space, hardly brings an end to fighting in Gaza, as Israeli forces continue operations on Hamas. U.S. President Joe Biden has promised to go further in diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.

The war has left more than 3,760 Lebanese, mostly civilians, dead and entire villages flattened by Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. More than 70 people on the Israeli side have been killed, including civilians and soldiers, in rocket attacks and ground battles.

Though fragile, the truce has brought a much-needed break to the 1.2 million displaced Lebanese and tens of thousands of Israelis who were forced to leave their homes close to the border. Still, concerns are about renewed violence as critics within Israel raise fears that Hezbollah would still remain near the border.

Both countries remain vigilant as citizens return to their homes and authorities closely monitor for ceasefire violations. Although there is a temporary cessation of hostilities, the long-term success of the truce will depend on adherence to the terms and the development of broader strategies to address the issues in the region.

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