In a defiant statement issued hours after a hard-won ceasefire took effect, Hezbollah vowed to maintain its resistance against Israel, declaring victory in the recently concluded conflict. The Iran-backed militant group, while acknowledging the cessation of hostilities, emphasized its unwavering readiness to confront any future Israeli aggression. This declaration comes as thousands of Lebanese citizens, displaced by months of intense fighting and Israeli airstrikes, cautiously return to their homes in southern Lebanon.
The statement, released 17 hours after the ceasefire commenced, carried a stark message: “Our forces will remain fully ready to address the Israeli enemy’s ambitions and aggressions.” Hezbollah pledged to meticulously monitor the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a process mandated by the ceasefire agreement and expected to be completed within 60 days. They stated that their fighters’ eyes would be fixed on the enemy’s every move, claiming their hands would remain on the trigger to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, concluded over 14 months of intense conflict that erupted following Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel. The agreement stipulates a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces south of the internationally recognized “Blue Line” border, with the Lebanese army deploying in the area to maintain order. The deal also aims to push Hezbollah further away from the border. This agreement marks the end of one of the deadliest confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in recent years.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire, stating that the agreement was reached with the hopes of halting Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese towns and cities and bringing an end to the prolonged cross-border fighting. The conflict resulted in the deaths of more than 3,800 people in Lebanon since October 2023, according to various reports. The return of displaced Lebanese citizens is underway, but the nation’s motorways are still congested with vehicles carrying families heading south, despite warnings from the Israeli military to remain away from the border region while Israeli troops continue the withdrawal. The Lebanese army has also advised locals to stay away from villages near the ‘blue line’ separating the two countries.
However, a shadow of uncertainty hangs over the long-term viability of this hard-fought truce. The preceding days witnessed brutal Israeli bombardment of Beirut and southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 42 people just before the ceasefire came into effect at 4 am local time. Hezbollah responded with rocket fire into Israel, triggering air raid sirens. The world watches with bated breath, uncertain about the future and the fragility of this fragile peace.
