An individual was killed in southern Lebanon due to an Israeli drone strike on Friday, marking the onset of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at quelling tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as confirmed by local paramedics and a hospital official. This incident occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel was prohibited from conducting further airstrikes in Lebanon.
While Hezbollah ceased its attacks on Israeli targets following the ceasefire, the group has not explicitly endorsed the agreement, attributing the truce to pressure from Iran on the U.S. Trump emphasized that any agreements with Iran do not involve Lebanon, but the U.S. will handle the situation with Hezbollah appropriately.
Trump also mentioned that the U.S. will acquire Iran’s nuclear materials without any financial transactions. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister announced that commercial vessels are permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the ceasefire.
Following Trump’s announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, there is optimism that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran may also be nearing a resolution. Displaced individuals in Lebanon have started returning to their ravaged homes, although many are cautious due to the uncertainty surrounding the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire.
Despite Trump’s assurance of continued efforts for a long-term agreement between Lebanon and Israel, significant uncertainties persist. The ceasefire does not include a demand for Israel to withdraw its troops from the occupied regions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are targeting structures reportedly used by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, maintains its stance on the right to resist. The Lebanese army reported ceasefire violations by Israel, urging citizens to delay their return to the southern regions. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would maintain control over a designated security zone extending into Lebanon.
The conflict, which has resulted in over 2,000 casualties and 1.2 million displacements, began on March 2 when Hezbollah supported Iran in attacking Israel. The toll includes paramedics and civilians, underscoring the devastating impact on non-combatants. Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel have led to casualties among Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that any future agreements would not compromise Lebanon’s sovereignty. The government has been working toward disarming Hezbollah peacefully and prohibiting its military actions since March 2. The situation in Lebanon remains tense, with residents hesitant to return to their homes due to the widespread destruction.
There are concerns about ongoing Israeli activities in southern Lebanon to establish a buffer zone. Despite potential breaches of the ceasefire terms, stakeholders are expected to adhere to the political commitments of the agreement. Any attempts to forcibly disarm Hezbollah could escalate tensions in a country scarred by past conflicts. President Trump expressed plans to facilitate discussions between Israel and Lebanon by inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Aoun to the White House.
