Beirut/Tel Aviv: A ceasefire came into effect between Israel and Hezbollah. The ink had not even dried when bombs started falling again in South Lebanon. Israeli fighter planes and drones terrorized many areas in the early hours of Saturday. According to Lebanese government media, 5 people died in these attacks and many houses were turned into debris. The very first test of how strong the ceasefire is seems to have failed.
What happened in southern Lebanon?
Air strikes continued throughout the night in and around the Nabatiyeh area. Drones kept hovering and at some places there was even artillery shelling. Eyewitnesses say that people left their homes at midnight and ran away. Children and elders all left out of fear. In the morning, rescue teams were busy removing the debris and rescuing the trapped people. There was a scene of smoke and destruction on the streets.
Why attack even after ceasefire?
This is the question everyone is asking. America, Qatar and Iran intervened and convinced both the sides for ceasefire. It seemed that now there would be peace on the border. But the reality on the ground turned out to be different. The distrust is so deep that the effect of the agreement made on paper is not visible in the field.
How did Israel justify this?
The logic of the Israeli army is clear, no compromise on security. Army Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Hezbollah’s actions were continuing in some areas. Given the potential danger, action was necessary. He also made it clear that Israel will take further retaliatory steps for its security. Operations will continue in areas like Beaufort Castle and Ali Taher Ridge.
What did Lebanon and Hezbollah say?
The Lebanese government called this against the spirit of the ceasefire. People thought that now they would get relief, but the bombing started again. The atmosphere of fear returned. Hezbollah also expressed displeasure over Israel’s action and said that it is a violation of the agreement.
How much loss has been caused on both sides so far?
The fighting of the past days has been the most dangerous in the last several months. Nearly 40 people were killed in Lebanon in Israeli attacks. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in Hezbollah attacks. After this bloodshed, ceasefire efforts were intensified.
Will US-Iran talks be affected?
Experts believe that if tension increases in Lebanon, the US-Iran talks to be held in Switzerland will also be affected. This conversation is not limited to Iran’s nuclear program only. The security of the Strait of Hormuz and the entire Middle East is also on the agenda. If bullets are fired on the border, diplomacy will weaken.
Will the ceasefire survive or be broken?
At present no one has the answer. The attack taking place just a few hours after the ceasefire shows that there is loss of trust on both sides. If the attacks stop in the next 48 hours then things can be resolved. Otherwise the entire area may again get engulfed in the fire of war. The world’s eyes are now on Washington, Doha and Tehran to see whether diplomacy works or is just ammunition.
