Lebanon seeks US-Iran ceasefire amid uncertainty and hopes for inclusion

Lebanon Enters Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Conflict

A ceasefire agreement has been announced between the United States and Iran, which includes Lebanon, according to Iranian and Pakistani officials. The agreement aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon.

On Monday morning, people in Lebanon began returning home to areas in the south of the country, despite warnings from officials that the security situation is still unclear. Ali Saleh, a 55-year-old resident of the southern village of Jwaya, has been displaced since early March and expressed concerns about his safety.

The conflict in southern Lebanon escalated on March 2, with Israel intensifying its war on the region for the second time in under two years. The situation worsened after Hezbollah fired six rockets at Israel, prompting a response from Israeli forces. Since then, there have been reports of widespread destruction and displacement, with over 1.2 million people forced to flee their homes.

The Lebanese army has announced that people should exercise caution when returning to their homes, while officials have advised against the return of people from border villages until the security situation becomes clearer.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the deal between the US and Iran includes “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” The announcement was welcomed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who expressed hope for a definitive end to the cycle of violence and stability.

The ceasefire agreement is not the first attempt at peace between Lebanon and Israel. In November 2024, an agreement called for a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese land and a cessation of hostilities. However, the situation did not improve, and Hezbollah reportedly began preparing for another round of fighting.

As the ceasefire takes effect, many Lebanese are cautiously returning home, awaiting the full implementation of the agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas.

Source: Al Jazeera