The violation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has led to concerns. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal, a crucial and praiseworthy advancement in peace efforts, was violated by the parties and led to the exchange of fires between them. While Israel is blaming Hezbollah for its violation and defends it attacks as retaliatory, the latter is blaming the former and said it responded to Israeli violations and carried out a “defensive warning” strike. But the violation of the ceasefire may lead to the continued attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Hezbollah, risking the crucial ceasefire agreement that has the potential to end the conflict between the parties.
It is notable that the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which massively escalated with the Israeli invasion of Lebanon after almost a year of their cross-border exchanges of fires since October 2023, has led to the deaths of more than three thousands — mostly Lebanese — and the displacement of hundreds of thousands by this time. The crucial ceasefire brokered by the United States and France that aims to cease the fighting in Lebanon and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah, led to a respite and raised the hope for the ending of the conflict between the parties. But the violation of the ceasefire is an indication of its fragility and may deteriorate the situation further, if not implemented.
The positive side is that both parties have reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire agreement that has given 60 days to end the armed presence of Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon which will be replaced by the Lebanese government forces while Israeli forces will withdraw from the area over the same period. Also, international actors including the United States warned against the violation of the ceasefire. Consequently, the chance of implementing the ceasefire and peace remains. Given the evidence of the violations or rejections of international peace steps and ceasefires between the parties earlier, it may not be surprising if further exchanges of fires occur, risking the violation of the ongoing ceasefire.
It is desired that the Lebanon ceasefire agreement, rendered the foundation of a lasting truce is maintained by the parties that will create the conditions needed to restore peace and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes be taken to end the war. For this, the commitment of the parties involved in the conflict is vital. But the role of the brokers of the truce agreement is also vital to ensure that the deal is maintained by the parties and its goals for peace are achieved.
Another important and pertinent aspect is whether a ceasefire is possible between Israel and Hamas that can bring peace in Palestine — though it is not necessarily a precursor to the war in Gaza. It is definitely possible to reach a ceasefire leading to lasting peace between Israel and Hamas. But the intentions of the conflicting parties alone that were seen in the Lebanon deal can play vital roles, along with strong international steps.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
