10-Day Ceasefire in Lebanon Takes Effect Under U.S.-Backed Agreement

Beirut/Washington: A fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force late Thursday, following a U.S.-brokered agreement announced by President Donald Trump. The truce, aimed at halting weeks of escalating violence, was met with celebratory gunfire in parts of Lebanon as it took effect at midnight.

The ceasefire was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described it as an opportunity to pursue a “historic peace agreement” with Lebanon. However, he clarified that Israeli forces would remain deployed within Lebanese territory as part of a reinforced security buffer zone.

The agreement, while significant, has been clouded by uncertainty, particularly due to the absence of formal participation by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that has been central to the conflict. Hezbollah issued a guarded response, stating that any ceasefire must ensure a complete halt to Israeli operations across Lebanese territory and a return to the status quo prior to the latest escalation in early March.

Tensions Persist Despite Truce

In the hours leading up to the ceasefire, hostilities intensified. Israeli authorities reported dozens of incoming strikes from Lebanese territory, while Lebanese state media documented heavy Israeli airstrikes across multiple regions.

The ceasefire forms part of a broader diplomatic effort to stabilise the region, including parallel attempts to sustain a separate truce involving Iran. U.S. officials have been engaged in indirect exchanges with Tehran, though a second round of formal talks has yet to be confirmed.

Washington has increased pressure on both Israel and Lebanon in recent days, concerned that continued hostilities could undermine wider regional de-escalation efforts. Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran, had resumed attacks on Israel following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a wave of Israeli military responses.

Diplomatic Push and Strategic Concerns

According to the U.S. State Department, the ceasefire began at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday and is initially set for 10 days, with the possibility of extension contingent on progress in “good-faith negotiations” toward a lasting peace arrangement.

The agreement followed intense diplomatic engagement led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including discussions with Israeli and Lebanese representatives. President Trump also held direct calls with both Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to secure the truce.

Despite the breakthrough, analysts and regional observers have expressed concern over Hezbollah’s exclusion from the agreement. Some warn that the group could use the pause in hostilities to regroup and rearm, potentially undermining the ceasefire’s durability.

Humanitarian Impact and Ongoing Risks

The conflict, which has escalated intermittently since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, has inflicted severe damage across southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. Israeli ground operations have extended into Lebanese territory, establishing control over a significant stretch along the border.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 2,100 people have been killed since the latest escalation, including at least 172 children. The United Nations estimates that over one million people have been displaced during the conflict.

Lebanese authorities have urged civilians not to return immediately to affected areas, citing the risk of renewed hostilities and unexploded ordnance.

Lebanon’s Minister for Social Affairs, Haneen Sayed, has called for increased international assistance, stating that the country requires approximately $88 million per month to support displaced populations—significantly higher than the current U.S. aid commitment.

While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve, its long-term viability remains uncertain, with key stakeholders yet to align on the terms of a sustainable peace framework.