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28 November 2024

Ceasefire Takes Hold As Israel Targets Hezbollah Missile Sites

The fragile truce follows months of conflict, with fears of renewed hostilities persisting

After more than 14 months of intense conflict characterized by constant exchanges of fire and airstrikes, the long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah finally took effect early Wednesday morning. This truce, brokered by the United States and France, emerges from what has been one of the deadliest and most destructive wars Lebanon has endured in decades, where thousands have died and much of the infrastructure has been devastated.

Just hours before the ceasefire was implemented, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant military operation, announcing the destruction of Hezbollah's largest underground precision-guided missile production site situated near the Lebanese-Syrian border. This operation echoed Israel’s longstanding objective to incapacitate Hezbollah's missile production capabilities, which it views as inherently tied to its security against attacks from the Iran-backed terror group.

According to the IDF, the targeted facility was located deep within the Bekaa Valley and extended over 1.4 kilometers, with significant portions buried 70 meters underground. The military had been gathering intelligence on this strategic site for years, leading up to the airstrike, which lasted over four hours before the ceasefire took effect. IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari noted the site had served not only as a production facility for surface-to-surface missiles but also as a storage depot for various munitions.

Before targeting the missile production facility, the IDF struck other surrounding areas as part of its comprehensive assault. This included the annihilation of a prominent base belonging to Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, where the military claimed numerous operatives were killed. The airstrikes occurred amid rising tensions and violence, following Hezbollah's continuation of rocket attacks against Israel, which escalated significantly after Hamas initiated their offensive against Israel on October 7, 2023.

The ceasefire agreement seeks to achieve not just the cessation of hostilities but also aims to allow displaced Lebanese civilians to return home. Since the beginning of the conflict, about one-quarter of Lebanon's population has been uprooted, with many fleeing to Beirut and other safer areas.

Returning citizens found the aftermath of relentless airstrikes waiting for them, where significant portions of their homes and the community lay in ruins. Reports indicated large swathes of residential areas were reduced to rubble, reflecting the extensive destruction wrought by the conflict. Hanna Trad, one of the many who returned to her village, expressed feelings of mixed emotions, thankful to be home yet heartbroken over the losses and damages her community faced.

Despite the ceasefire's initial implementation, armed confrontations have persisted. Reports surfaced shortly after the ceasefire began, with both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of violations. The IDF has continued operations along its northern borders, firing warning shots to discourage suspected Hezbollah operatives from engaging near the no-go zones, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire.

The Israeli cabinet had voted overwhelmingly to approve the ceasefire, which aims to isolate Hamas and redirect international focus toward mitigating threats from Iran and its proxies. Analysts have noted the agreement could potentially serve as groundwork for future negotiations concerning Gaza and Hamas, marking a shift toward broader dialogue around regional stability.

Both the United States and France emphasized the importance of the ceasefire to promote stability and facilitate humanitarian aid to displaced persons within Lebanon. The aftermath of the fighting has left many civilians without access to basic necessities, compounding the humanitarian crisis already exacerbated by decades of conflict.

Looking forward, many questions remain about the durability of this ceasefire. The international community is poised to monitor the developments closely, and there are concerns about Hezbollah's potential to regroup and the impact of Iranian influence on the organization’s operations.

While the ceasefire is officially active, the situation remains precarious and complex, with both sides having considerable operational capabilities. Investigations are underway to assess not only the military strategies employed during the conflict but also the extensive humanitarian repercussions faced by the Lebanese civilians caught in the crossfire.

Only time will reveal how this current ceasefire will shape the dynamics of Israel-Hezbollah relations and the overarching geopolitical climate of the region.

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