Lebanon warns Israel violated the ceasefire hundreds of times since November 2024.
In the early hours of a December morning, Israeli forces jolted the residents of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon awake with the thunderous roar of artillery fire. The IDF had launched yet another round of shelling, marking the latest in a series of ceasefire violations that have plagued the region since the truce with Hezbollah took effect on 27 November 2024.
A Ceasefire Enforced with Fire
The United States brokered the ceasefire agreement, which stipulated that both Israeli forces and Hezbollah must withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, Israeli military forces have continued their actions unabated, with reports indicating they have committed over 300 violations since the ceasefire’s inception.
Israeli warplanes have conducted low-altitude flights over Lebanese territories, and forces have carried out demolition operations targeting homes in towns such as Yaroun and Naqoura. The Lebanese government has lodged formal protests with the United Nations, decrying these actions as blatant infringements on its sovereignty.
Hezbollah’s Waning Influence Amid Regional Sea Change
Hezbollah now confronts challenges on multiple fronts, as its position appears increasingly precarious. The militant group, which once wielded considerable power in Lebanon and exerted influence in Syria, faces a new reality.
The recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad has led to a seismic shift in the regional power balance. Hezbollah, which had deployed fighters to bolster Assad’s regime, has lost its strategic depth in Syria. Reports indicate that the group has redeployed many of its forces back to Lebanon, aiming to reinforce its positions amid escalating tensions with Israel.
This redeployment has brought consequences. Anti-Assad fighters have exploited the power vacuum in Syria, threatening key supply routes that Hezbollah relies upon. The group’s stretched resources and the necessity to defend multiple fronts have exposed vulnerabilities that it previously concealed.
Lebanon’s Diplomatic Overtures to Syria’s New Regime
Lebanon has initiated diplomatic contact with Syria’s new government. Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib recently conveyed Lebanon’s desire to establish amicable relations with Damascus. This outreach signifies a pragmatic acknowledgment of shifting politics and an attempt to navigate the complexities arising from the regime change in Syria.
Lebanese authorities deported 70 Syrian officers and soldiers who illegally entered Lebanon after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The collapse led many high-ranking Syrian officials and those close to the former ruling family to seek asylum in Lebanon.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new de facto leader, has expressed intentions to build diplomatic relations with both Arab and Western players. Lebanon’s engagement reflects a strategic move to ensure stability along its borders and to adapt to the evolving dynamics in the region.
Historical Context of Ceasefire Violations
Israel has precedent for these actions. The history of Israeli-Lebanese relations include many instances where both sides have violated ceasefires. Both parties frequently violated past conflicts, notably the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, undermining efforts toward lasting peace.
Analysts observe that Israel maintains a posture of deterrence through shows of force, which can manifest as incursions or airspace violations. While Israel intends these strategies to suppress adversarial actions, they frequently escalate tensions and perpetuate cycles of retaliation.
The Human Toll and Cultural Destruction
The violations have inflicted profound human and cultural costs. Israel’s recent air campaigns have destroyed invaluable heritage sites, including Roman ruins in Baalbek and Tyre. UNESCO has confirmed damage to these World Heritage sites, underscoring the broader cultural loss that ongoing hostilities have inflicted.
The destruction of these sites not only erases physical structures but also obliterates the historical memory and identity of communities. The loss of cultural heritage compounds the suffering of populations who already endure the hardships of conflict, displacement, and economic instability.
A Vicious Cycle of Uncertainty
As the 60-day deadline for mutual withdrawal approaches, uncertainty looms large. Reports suggest that the Israeli army contemplates extending its presence in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed period, citing concerns over Hezbollah’s activities and the Lebanese army’s deployment pace.
Such a move would violate the ceasefire agreement further, potentially reigniting hostilities and plunging the region back into conflict. The Lebanese people, caught in the crossfire of these geopolitical manoeuvres, continues to endure the instability that has become a persistent feature of their daily lives.
In the village of Aita al-Shaab, as residents begin the arduous task of rebuilding—repairing homes, mourning material and human loss, and clinging to the hope that peace, however elusive, might one day prevail—the dust settles from the latest round of shelling.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
Read also:
The Fall of Assad: A New Era for Syria’s Drug Trade
Türkiye Warns Kurdish Fighters in Syria
International Backlash to Settlement Expansion in Golan
