Is the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah coming to an end? • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is growing increasingly fragile, with violence erupting in southern Lebanon, where Israeli soldiers have killed and injured civilians. Similarly, tensions in Gaza are rising, with mutual accusations of violations between Israel and Hamas. Key issues include delays in the release of hostages, such as Arbel Yahood, and the prevention of civilians from returning home. The possibility of relocating Palestinians and the unpredictability of U.S. involvement, under Donald Trump, adds further complexity to the situation. The fragile peace efforts in both regions are under threat, leaving the future uncertain and volatile.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is becoming increasingly fragile, with deadly clashes in southern Lebanon leading to casualties and injuries.
• 😀 Israel has refused to withdraw its military presence in southern Lebanon, claiming that Lebanon has not fully enforced the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
• 😀 Despite the ceasefire agreement, many Lebanese residents are frustrated as they are unable to return to their homes after more than a year of waiting.
• 😀 In Gaza, the situation is similarly tense, with mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas regarding the violation of ceasefire terms.
• 😀 Hamas has not released the Israeli civilian hostage, Arbel Yahood, as promised, and has failed to provide details on the fate of other hostages.
• 😀 Israel has accused Hamas of not fulfilling their obligations in the ceasefire agreement, including providing a list of hostages and their conditions.
• 😀 Former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about the potential relocation of Gazans have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact and regional instability.
• 😀 Trump’s remarks on the forced relocation of Palestinians could lead to accusations of ethnic cleansing, which would destabilize countries like Jordan and Egypt.
• 😀 The possibility of forcibly relocating Palestinians in Gaza is seen as dangerous, as it would violate international norms and further complicate the Palestinian issue.
• 😀 Gersan Baskin, a former hostage negotiator, argues that both Israel and Hezbollah have an interest in maintaining the fragile ceasefire, despite ongoing tensions.
• 😀 The situation remains highly unpredictable, with the potential for further escalation in Gaza and Lebanon depending on international mediations and political decisions.

Q & A

What caused the current tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon?

The tensions were sparked by Israeli soldiers opening fire on civilians attempting to return to southern Lebanon, resulting in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries. Israel has also refused to withdraw its troops as initially agreed, citing Lebanon's failure to fully enforce the ceasefire agreement from last year.

Why is Israel staying in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed deadline?

Israel has claimed that the Lebanese Army has not deployed as expected along the border, and that Hezbollah troops have not fully adhered to the ceasefire terms. This has led Israel to request additional time from the United States to remain in southern Lebanon until the Lebanese Army can fully deploy.

How is Lebanon's sovereignty affected by Israel's actions in the south?

Lebanon's sovereignty is under strain, as Israel's presence in the south implies that Israel has more control over the region than the Lebanese government. Despite Lebanon's ongoing efforts to strengthen its sovereignty, Hezbollah's influence and the delay in deploying the Lebanese Army complicate matters.

What is the current situation regarding displaced civilians in Gaza?

Tens of thousands of displaced civilians in Gaza are being prevented from returning to their homes, particularly in the northern part of the territory. The Israeli military has refused to allow their movement through key barriers, further complicating the humanitarian situation.

Why has Hamas not released Israeli civilian hostage Arbel Yahood as agreed?

Hamas has not released Arbel Yahood as part of the deal, with claims that she is alive and will eventually be freed. Furthermore, Hamas has failed to provide a list of the remaining hostages and their conditions, which was a part of the ceasefire agreement.

What role does the United States play in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations?

The U.S., alongside Qatar and Egypt, is acting as a mediator in the negotiations, ensuring that both Israel and Hamas adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The U.S. has also provided military support to Israel, including sending bombs and allowing Israeli troops to remain in southern Lebanon.

What is the significance of Donald Trump's rhetoric regarding Gaza and the Palestinian people?

Donald Trump's recent comments about potentially relocating Gaza's displaced people have raised concerns of ethnic cleansing. His suggestion to move Palestinians to other countries is viewed as dangerous and impractical, threatening regional stability, particularly for countries like Jordan and Egypt.

What impact could Donald Trump’s plans have on the Middle East peace process?

Trump’s unpredictable approach, including his military support for Israel and rhetoric on Gaza, may destabilize the region further. His support for Israel’s actions could lead to tensions with other Middle Eastern countries and complicate any potential peace process.

What does the future hold for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah?

The future of the ceasefire is uncertain. While both sides have an interest in maintaining peace, the situation remains fragile. Israel's continued military presence and Hezbollah's resistance may derail the agreement if unresolved tensions escalate.

How is the Palestinian issue viewed in the broader Arab world?

The Palestinian issue is highly sensitive in the Arab world, where many see the displacement of Palestinians as an injustice. Any attempt to forcibly relocate Palestinians or treat them as illegal aliens, as suggested by Donald Trump, is seen as a violation of their rights and could destabilize the entire region.