As it stands now, the ceasefire has been in effect for the past 3 hours 45 minutes. The intensified bombardment of Lebanese cities and villages has dwindled but has not stopped. This in itself is a big step because humanitarian aid can start to flow to the areas that have been cut-off for the past 5 weeks. The blockade on Lebanon is still in effect though which continues to cripple the Lebanese economy and continues to put pressure on the civilians.
The ceasefire is a very delicate period indeed. Israel and Hezbollah seem to have abided by the UN Resolution ceasefire. BUT, Israel had intensified its efforts yesterday and continued vicious bombardment of the southern parts of Lebanon killing over 25 civilians and injuring scores of others. Israel cannot logically pull-out without the UNFIL/Lebanese troops coming in as Hezbollah would most likely re-secure those areas vacated by the IDF.
UNFIL/Lebanese troops cannot come into the south unless Hezbollah agrees to remove all their heavier weaponry (ie rocket launchers) south of the Litani river (30 km North of the Israeli border). They have not agreed to do so yet as Israel is still occupying Lebanese territory. This is a political tug of war.
It is definitely delicate and almost eerie. The civilians can now take a well deserved breather although the blockade on Lebanon, enforced by Israel continues. The issue now stands in the deployment of the UNFIL forces and Lebanese troops– the aim is to have these troops create a buffer between IDF forces and Hezbollah forces and to move south to the border as the IDF vacates the premises. The optimists believe this will happen, but the worry is that hawks on either side (Hezbollah/Israel) would react to an insignificant event that could reignite the hostilities. Lets hope for the better good of all involved.
More Info: AP’s Report on the ceasefire
