Wed Nov 27 09:48:04 UTC 2024: ## Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Holds, Displaced Begin Returning Home Amidst Devastation

**BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, November 27, 2024** – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the U.S. and France, appears to be holding, allowing thousands of displaced Lebanese to begin returning to their homes in southern Lebanon. The truce, effective Wednesday, ends nearly 14 months of conflict that escalated into all-out war in mid-September.

While celebrations erupted in parts of Lebanon, the mood in Israel remained subdued, with concerns lingering over the deal’s incompleteness. The agreement, a two-month initial halt, requires Hezbollah to remove its presence from southern Lebanon, with Israeli troops returning to their side of the border. Increased Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers will monitor the area. Israel retains the right to retaliate against any Hezbollah violations.

The ceasefire does not address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli strikes killed 11 people, including four children, overnight. The fighting in Lebanon has left over 3,760 Lebanese dead, mostly civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. Israel also suffered significant losses, including more than 70 deaths, over half civilians, and the deaths of dozens of soldiers.

Despite the ceasefire, many Lebanese and Israelis remain apprehensive. Lebanese face returning to villages ravaged by the fighting, while Israelis worry about the proximity of Hezbollah and the ongoing situation in Gaza. The return of displaced populations is expected to be a lengthy process.

The war has resulted in extensive damage in both countries, with Hezbollah sustaining heavy losses despite inflicting significant damage on Israel. The conflict, however, has reportedly tarnished Hezbollah’s reputation, previously characterized by its ability to fight Israel to a stalemate.

The long-term impact of this ceasefire remains uncertain, with the situation in Gaza and the potential for further escalation continuing to cast a shadow. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the durability of this hard-won peace.

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