Fragile quiet descends on Lebanon as US-Iran truce leaves questions unanswered

A fragile quiet has settled over southern Lebanon as families displaced by the war begin returning to their communities. This tentative peace follows an announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Despite official warnings that it is not yet safe, residents are returning, with some arriving to find Israeli armored vehicles blocking their streets.

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All of this can be compensated for, and rebuilt.

Exhausted by over three months of conflict, the people of Lebanon are hopeful that the truce will halt the fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. While a semblance of quiet holds, punctuated by recent attacks from both sides, many remain skeptical about the durability of this peace. "Israel can't be trusted," one returning resident stated, reflecting a widespread sentiment of doubt.

The precise implications of the US-Iran agreement for Lebanon are still unclear, as the deal has not been publicly released. However, both Iran and Pakistan, which mediated the talks, have indicated that a ceasefire in Lebanon is part of the agreement. This inclusion was a crucial demand from Iran, aimed at bolstering its regional influence and supporting Hezbollah supporters.

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For someone who's used to this area and has lived here, to come back and see this destruction is extremely hard.

This latest round of conflict, which erupted in March, has been catastrophic for Lebanon. An estimated 50,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and approximately one million people remain displaced. The war has severely impacted the country, with Hezbollah, a significant political and social force among Lebanon's Shia Muslim community, remaining a key player despite being weakened. Israel had initially argued that the conflict with Hezbollah was separate from its broader issues with Iran, but US pressure may be compelling it to scale back its military campaign.

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Israel can't be trusted.