Lebanon Residents Doubt Ceasefire as Israeli Strikes Continue
Residents in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon have reacted with caution after Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire. The deal, brokered by the United States, includes plans to set up “pilot” security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah militants would be banned.
On Thursday, many Lebanese expressed scepticism about what the ceasefire really means. Suad Attia, a resident of Beirut, said the agreement must not favor one side over another. She stressed that it should include withdrawal from occupied territories and prevent Israel from moving freely based on its own definition of threats.
Another Beirut resident, Khaled Zaghloul, said Israel must guarantee that it has no ambitions to occupy Lebanon once Hezbollah is removed from the equation. But Hassan Dakhlallah from Tyre was doubtful, saying Israel’s past actions show that “once it occupies something, it does not withdraw.”
Hezbollah is not part of the ongoing talks, which have been held in Washington since last month at the ambassadorial level.
Despite the ceasefire extension, violence continued. The state run National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli drone strikes hit several villages in southern Lebanon on Thursday, killing at least one person and wounding four others.
One strike targeted a motorcycle in the village of Maaroub, killing one person and injuring another. Another strike hit a car in Zefta, wounding a family of three, Antoine Bouissa, his wife Terez, and their daughter Najat, who are from the Christian town of Marjayoun.
NNA also reported strikes in Kfar Rumman, Kfar Tebnit, and other villages in the coastal district of Tyre.
The Israeli military later issued a warning, advising civilians not to travel south of the Zahrani river, just below the port city of Sidon. The army said it was continuing to strike Hezbollah facilities in the area.
The renewed violence has raised questions about the effectiveness of the ceasefire. While the agreement aims to reduce tensions and create security zones, residents remain unsure whether it will bring lasting peace or simply allow Israel more control.
The situation highlights the deep mistrust between communities in Lebanon and Israel. For many Lebanese, the ceasefire is seen as fragile and uncertain, especially with Hezbollah excluded from the talks and Israeli strikes continuing.
As the conflict drags on, ordinary people in Lebanon are left to wonder whether the ceasefire will truly protect them or whether it is just another temporary measure in a long cycle of violence.
