By: Isuru Parakrama

November 28, Colombo (LNW):  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially expressed its backing for the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, urging that this development may signal the possibility of long-lasting peace in the region. 

In a statement, the Ministry stressed that the government conveyed its optimism, highlighting its hope that the truce would lay the groundwork for stability, not only in Lebanon but across the broader Middle East.

The ceasefire, which was announced on November 26, marks a significant step toward halting nearly 14 months of hostilities, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. 

This temporary cessation of violence follows a particularly volatile period, with both Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaging in direct confrontations that had further escalated the situation.

Although there have been no immediate reports of violations following the ceasefire’s commencement, signs of relief and celebration have emerged in Beirut, as many are hopeful that the truce will hold. Nevertheless, Israel has made it clear that any breach by Hezbollah could lead to retaliation. 

The ceasefire agreement mandates a two-month suspension of hostilities, during which Hezbollah is expected to withdraw its military forces from southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops will also be required to pull back to their side of the border. 

To enforce the ceasefire, additional Lebanese troops, along with United Nations peacekeepers, will be deployed in the southern region, and a monitoring panel, led by the United States, will oversee compliance.

Despite the relative calm, an Israeli military spokesperson cautioned against the return of residents to southern Lebanon, stating that the area remains under Israeli military surveillance. 

This came just hours after Israel had launched its heaviest airstrike campaign on Beirut, marking the most intense bombardment of the city since the conflict’s inception. 

Local authorities reported at least 42 deaths from the airstrikes, which had targeted various locations across the country.

While the ceasefire brings a much-needed respite to Lebanon, it does not address the ongoing and devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas continues to hold hostages, and the conflict remains unresolved. 

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed the truce, describing it as a vital step toward restoring stability and enabling the return of displaced citizens to their homes.

Hezbollah has officially stated its acceptance of the ceasefire but has indicated that it is still reviewing the agreement’s final terms. A senior official from the group, Mahmoud Qamati, emphasised that while Hezbollah desires an end to hostilities, it would not accept any violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty. 

The group’s forces are required to withdraw to positions north of the Litani River, which is located roughly 30 kilometres from the border.

This development comes after a year of escalating violence, sparked by Hezbollah’s retaliatory actions in northern Israel on October 08, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Since then, both parties have exchanged frequent artillery fire, further intensifying the regional crisis.