Tensions Escalate, Israel and Hezbollah Accuse Each Other of Violating Ceasefire

Kapanlagi.com - Tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border are once again inflamed! After a ceasefire agreed upon on November 27, 2023, aimed at ending the bloody two-month conflict, the situation is now on the brink of collapse. Hezbollah, through Secretary-General Naim Qassem, issued a sharp warning that "its patience may run out" due to the ongoing violations by Israel.

Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah has the right to determine when and how they will respond to any violations that occur. This statement clearly signals that Hezbollah will not remain silent if Israel continues to disregard the agreed-upon ceasefire.

Conditions are heating up further with reports from UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) stating that Israel has violated the ceasefire "around 100 times." In fact, UNIFIL reported the destruction of their property and the infrastructure of the Lebanese Armed Forces by Israeli forces. These violations clearly threaten the stability of the region and could potentially reignite a long-anticipated armed conflict.

1. Hizbullah: "Our Patience Has Its Limits"

The Secretary-General of Hizbullah, Naim Qassem, responded firmly to criticism that Hizbullah has remained silent on Israel's violations of the ceasefire. He emphasized that the organization has its own strategy to deal with this complicated situation.

"Our patience may reach its limits or it could continue as it is now... and when we decide to act, you will see it immediately," he stated, as reported by the official AA website on Saturday (4/1/2025).

Qassem stressed that the ceasefire only applies in the southern region of the Litani River, and he urged the Lebanese government and relevant parties to restrain Israel and ensure the implementation of the agreement.

This warning clearly indicates that Hizbullah will not hesitate to take decisive action if Israel continues to violate the existing agreements.

2. Israel: Hizbullah Must Withdraw

Israel issued a stern warning that a ceasefire with Hizbullah could fall apart if the group does not immediately withdraw beyond the Litani River in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized that Hizbullah's full withdrawal across the river is an absolute condition for achieving a peace agreement. "Without Hizbullah's withdrawal, there will be no agreement," he stated emphatically.

Katz also underscored Israel's commitment to enforcing the ceasefire agreement for the safety of northern residents so they can return to their homes, but all of this depends on the fulfillment of prerequisites that include Hizbullah's total withdrawal, disarmament, and the destruction of existing infrastructure.

3. UNIFIL: Israel Violates Ceasefire

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, expressed serious concerns after recording approximately 100 violations by Israel of the ceasefire agreement. In their report, UNIFIL highlighted the destructive actions carried out by the Israel Defense Forces, which not only destroyed clearly visible properties but also infrastructure belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

"This deliberate destruction constitutes a blatant violation of resolution 1701—established in 2006 to halt hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah—and international law," UNIFIL stressed, marking an increasingly troubling situation in the region.

4. Mutual Accusations and Threats

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are escalating, with both sides throwing accusations of violations of the agreed ceasefire. Israel accuses Hezbollah of refusing to withdraw its troops, while Hezbollah accuses Israel of carrying out attacks and provocations in southern Lebanon.

This situation creates a very dangerous atmosphere, potentially reigniting armed conflict. Hezbollah's threat to take decisive action if Israel continues to perpetuate ceasefire violations adds to the uncertainty in this already volatile region.

5. Towards a Fragile Peace

The ceasefire that was initially hoped to be a bridge to peace is now on the verge of collapse. The ongoing escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, accompanied by mutual accusations and threats, underscores that stability in this region remains highly vulnerable.

To maintain the ceasefire and prevent the reoccurrence of armed conflict, strong commitment and seriousness from both sides are needed, along with active support from the international community. Without vigorous diplomatic efforts and wise policies, the hope for peace at the Israel-Lebanon border will remain a difficult dream to achieve.

6. What is the essence of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah?

In a step towards peace, the recently agreed ceasefire agreement requires the cessation of all forms of hostilities, followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Not only that, Hezbollah is also required to withdraw across the Litani River.

7. Who mediated the ceasefire?

This historic ceasefire, successfully mediated by the UN, was formalized through UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

8. What violations have been reported by Israel?

Israel has been reported to be involved in a series of blatant violations, including damaging property belonging to UNIFIL and critical infrastructure of the Lebanese Armed Forces, exacerbating tensions in this already vulnerable region.

9. What threats are issued by Hezbollah?

Hezbollah issued a firm statement, declaring that they would not hesitate to take bolder steps if Israel continues to ignore the agreed ceasefire deal.

10. What are the prospects for peace between Israel and Hezbollah?

The hope for peace remains quite fragile, requiring strong commitment from both parties involved, as well as sincere support from the international community. Without this synergy, the journey towards harmony will continue to face significant obstacles.

(kpl/srr)