The Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement, which officially came into effect in the early hours of November 27, 2024, has brought a temporary halt to nearly 14 months of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. As the initial 60-day ceasefire period stipulated in the agreement approaches its end, concerns are mounting over the fragility of the current peace.
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) spokesperson Andrea Tenenti spoke exclusively to CGTN about the delicate situation in southern Lebanon. \"The situation remains fragile,\" Tenenti stated. \"While the ceasefire has largely held, underlying tensions persist, and any miscalculation could lead to a rapid escalation.\"
Tenenti emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and restraint from all parties involved. \"UNIFIL is actively engaging with both sides to encourage adherence to the ceasefire terms,\" he said. \"Our focus is on preventing incidents that could undermine the progress made over the past two months.\"
The local communities along the Lebanon-Israel border have experienced a tentative return to normalcy during the ceasefire period. Farmers have returned to their fields, and schools have reopened. However, the ever-present uncertainty weighs heavily on residents who fear a resurgence of hostilities.
\"We are hopeful but cautious,\" said a resident of a southern Lebanese village. \"We have seen ceasefires come and go. What we need is a lasting peace.\"
International observers are urging swift diplomatic efforts to extend the ceasefire and address the root causes of the conflict. The 60-day ceasefire was intended as a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive peace agreement, but progress has been slow.
\"Time is of the essence,\" Tenenti warned. \"The coming days are critical. We call upon the international community to support initiatives that foster stability and peace in the region.\"
The potential for renewed conflict poses significant risks not only to Lebanon and Israel but also to the broader Middle East. As the ceasefire deadline looms, the world watches anxiously, hopeful that diplomacy will prevail over discord.
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UNIFIL spokesperson: Situation in southern Lebanon remains fragile
cgtn.com
