What's happened
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is under severe strain as Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 15 people since its inception. Israeli officials warn of targeting Lebanon directly if Hezbollah violations continue, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Bel Trew from The Independent, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that any violations of the ceasefire will be met with a 'maximum response,' indicating a shift in Israel's military strategy to include Lebanon as a target. Meanwhile, the Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri reported at least 54 ceasefire violations by Israel, highlighting the fragility of the agreement. The South China Morning Post echoed these concerns, noting that Israel's continued strikes are seen as a direct threat to the ceasefire's integrity. The U.S. State Department maintains that the ceasefire is holding, despite acknowledging potential violations, which reflects a divergence in perspectives on the situation's stability.
How we got here
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and France, was established on November 27, 2024, after 14 months of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It requires both parties to halt military operations and withdraw forces from the border region.
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