A continuous flow of vehicles has formed. From southern Lebanon to Beirut, and despite persistent uncertainties, civilians have started to return to their homes. Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a ten-day ceasefire, beginning in the night of Thursday, April 16 to Friday, April 17. “This may have been a historic day for Lebanon,” said U.S. President Donald Trump. “Good things are happening!”
Washington supervised the implementation of a ceasefire, temporarily ending 46 days of war led by Israel against southern Lebanon, resulting in the displacement of over 1.2 million people and 2,196 deaths since early March.
Several violations have been reported. Donald Trump, under pressure from Saudi Arabia, has been compelled to convince Iran to agree to a deal. Saudi Arabia pushed the United States to prioritize a ceasefire in Lebanon to maintain talks with Iran. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman advocated for a truce to Donald Trump during a recent phone call.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun described direct talks with Israel as “crucial” following Donald Trump’s announcement. Now, it remains to be seen if this ten-day ceasefire will hold. The Lebanese army reported multiple violations by Israeli forces in the initial hours of the agreement.
In the past, Israel targeted hospitals, destroyed bridges, and razed villages and homes in southern Lebanon. Despite the purported ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has killed over 765 Palestinians, wounded over 2,000, and maintained a territorial occupation, expanding into 60% of the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli forces have declared they do not intend to withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ten-day ceasefire. The Israeli Defense Minister stated that the war in Lebanon is not over, and displaced individuals may have to leave if fighting resumes.
Iran’s war remains unresolved. The Israeli Defense Minister suggested that Tel Aviv intended to fortify its military outposts even after the war ends. The goal is to prevent the return of Hezbollah by destroying villages and infrastructure.
In response to ceasefire violations, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the safety of civilian populations in both Lebanon and Israel. He demanded that Hezbollah disarm and that Israel respect Lebanese sovereignty to end the war.
The situation in Iran remains uncertain. Donald Trump claimed that Tehran had agreed to surrender its enriched uranium but Iran has yet to confirm or deny this announcement. Several tankers departed Iran with crude oil, marking the first shipments since the U.S. embargo on Iranian ports.
The UK and France co-chaired a meeting addressing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz involving non-belligerent participants. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to declare the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a global responsibility.
Overall, the situation in the region remains complex, with ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts aimed at peace and stability.
