A landmark 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect this Friday, triggering a massive wave of displaced residents heading south. Despite the cessation of hostilities at midnight, the Lebanese army issued urgent warnings regarding several “Israeli acts of aggression” and violations.
Shortly after the midnight deadline, the Lebanese military advised citizens against an immediate return to southern villages and border towns. Israeli evacuation warnings remain active in several sectors, yet thousands of Lebanese families began their journey along the coastal highways.
Packed cars navigated around debris and crossed the ruins of bridges destroyed during the intense weeks of the regional conflict. Resident Alaa Damash noted the military’s request “to wait a bit,” yet explained the deep motivation driving the mass movement.
“The people’s love for their lands and houses, and their attachment to them, pushed them to go back there despite the fire threats,” she said.
A Path Toward Regional Peace
This ceasefire represents a pivotal achievement for Washington as it seeks to broker a broader deal between Israel and Iran. Mediator Islamabad led the diplomatic push, with President Trump suggesting a potential trip to Pakistan to sign a final agreement.
The conflict originally erupted on 2 March following a barrage of Hezbollah rocket fire aimed at the northern Israeli border. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, stating both leaders agreed to the truce “in order to achieve PEACE.”
Uncertainty Looms Over Hezbollah’s Role
While the ceasefire holds, Netanyahu insists on the total disarmament of Hezbollah as a prerequisite for any permanent, historic peace. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the announcement, calling the truce a “key Lebanese demand” pursued since the war’s inception.
Housewife Jamal Shehab, 61, expressed the exhaustion of the civilian population as the sounds of gunfire finally faded in Beirut.
“We are very happy that a ceasefire has been reached in Lebanon because we are tired of war and we want safety and peace,” she said.
Hezbollah officials stated they would “cautiously adhere” to the truce, provided that the Israeli military halts all offensive operations. Consequently, the international community remains on high alert as both nations test the durability of this fragile 10-day diplomatic window.
