Lebanese trickle home as ceasefire with Israel mostly holds - Daily Maverick

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, came into effect at 5 PM EST on Thursday. This ceasefire marks a significant development, as it is the first direct conversation between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon in over 30 years. Former President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are expected to visit the White House within the next four to five days, which would be the first meeting at that level in decades. Following the ceasefire's implementation, there were reports from Lebanon's army accusing Israel of ceasefire violations, describing “acts of aggression” that they claimed breached the ceasefire agreement. Despite the initial celebration in Lebanon regarding the halt to weeks of fighting, there are concerns about the sustainability of this ceasefire, as obstacles to lasting peace remain. The ceasefire has provided a momentary respite for the Lebanese people, who have begun to return home. However, the situation remains fragile, and the potential for renewed conflict persists. The ceasefire's effectiveness will depend on the adherence of both parties to the agreement and the resolution of underlying tensions.