The truce began at 4:00 a.m. after more than a year of hostilities, in which thousands of people were killed.
Under the ceasefire agreement, hostilities are suspended for 60 days. During this period, Israel will withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters will retreat north of the Litani River, which is about 30 kilometers north of the Israel-Lebanon border.
The Lebanese army will be deployed in the border area. The implementation of the agreement will be monitored by a group of countries led by the US, which will also include France, Lebanon and Israel, as well as the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL).
The war began when Hezbollah launched cross-border attacks on Israel in support of its ally Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel. During the course of the war, Israel carried out airstrikes in various areas of Lebanon and brought its troops into southern Lebanon to fight Hezbollah militants.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel would retain “full” discretion against Hezbollah if the Iran-backed group poses a new threat.
Lebanon has announced that since October 2023, 3,823 people have been killed on its territory. On the other hand, on the Israeli side, at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians have been killed in the war against “Hezbollah”.
Hours before the ceasefire began, Israel carried out airstrikes in central Beirut and southern suburbs, while Hezbollah announced attacks in northern Israel.
How can international players effectively support a ceasefire agreement in a conflict like this?
Interview: Time.news Editor Conversations with Conflict Resolution Expert Dr. Maya Alavi
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Alavi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent truce between Israel and Hezbollah. This is a significant development after over a year of hostilities. Can you provide some context about the situation that led to this ceasefire?
Dr. Alavi: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated significantly over the past year, with both sides suffering substantial losses. Regional tensions, political instability in Lebanon, and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East have all fueled this conflict. The loss of thousands of lives prompted various stakeholders to seek a cessation of hostilities.
Editor: Absolutely. The ceasefire agreement, which is set to last for 60 days, includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the retreat of Hezbollah fighters north of the Litani River. How do you see this arrangement working in practice?
Dr. Alavi: In theory, the agreement is a step towards de-escalation, but its success hinges on several factors. The withdrawal of Israeli forces and the strategic positioning of Hezbollah are critical points. The Lebanese army’s deployment in the border area is also influential. However, the situation is fragile, and maintaining trust among parties will be a challenge, especially given the history of tensions in the region.
Editor: Trust is indeed a crucial element. In your experience, what are the key components that help build or undermine trust during such fragile ceasefire periods?
Dr. Alavi: Effective communication is vital. Regular dialogue between parties is essential for addressing concerns and misunderstandings. Additionally, third-party mediators can play a critical role in ensuring compliance and facilitating conversations. On the contrary, any aggressive action—whether military or rhetorical—can quickly erode trust and reignite hostilities.
Editor: Speaking of third-party mediation, what role do you believe international players should take in this truce?
Dr. Alavi: International players, particularly countries historically involved in Middle Eastern diplomacy, must support the ceasefire constructively. They could provide monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance and foster dialogue between the conflicting parties. It’s also essential for these powers to encourage economic and social initiatives that can help rebuild trust and improve the lives of those affected by the conflict.
Editor: That’s a comprehensive approach. Now, if this ceasefire holds, what might be the next steps for the region? Can we expect any changes in the political landscape?
Dr. Alavi: If the truce lasts, it could pave the way for broader negotiations, possibly addressing the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict, such as territorial disputes and political recognition. Moreover, a sustained ceasefire might encourage neighboring countries to engage more actively in dialogue, leading to a more stable political environment overall. However, it requires all parties to genuinely commit to peace.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Alavi. As we look to the future, it is clear that while this ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, its longevity will depend on the willingness of all involved to pursue a peaceful resolution. Your insights today have been invaluable.
Dr. Alavi: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial moment for the region, and we can only hope for lasting peace.