A temporary ceasefire has been reached in the Middle East, where conflict had been intensifying. The critical question now is whether this truce can pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.

The governments of Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire plan proposed by the United States. For over a year, Israel has been in conflict with Hezbollah, the Shia Muslim group based in Lebanon.

Under the agreement, Israeli forces and Hezbollah will withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. Their positions will be taken over by Lebanese government forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with monitoring by a U.S.-led international committee and other bodies.

The focus is on the effectiveness of the ceasefire. Since Hezbollah itself did not directly enter into the deal, concerns persist about whether the Lebanese government can adequately control the group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has warned that if Hezbollah violates the agreement or attempts to rearm, Israel will retaliate decisively.

Hezbollah's recent large-scale attacks on Israel were sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023. After Hamas launched a surprise assault and took hostages, the Israeli military responded with a full-scale offensive in Gaza. Hezbollah declared solidarity with Hamas and engaged in repeated exchanges of fire with Israel.

Since September this year, Israel has launched ground operations in southern Lebanon, weakening Hezbollah's capabilities by killing its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, among other actions. The toll has been devastating. In Lebanon, more than 3,800 people have died, and over a million residents have been forced to flee to northern Lebanon or neighboring Syria.

Israel, too, has suffered, with over 100 deaths and more than 60,000 residents in the country's northern region displaced.

While fighting a two-front conflict, Israel has faced growing domestic dissatisfaction. Netanyahu's focus on destroying Hamas has failed to secure the release of the hostages, leading to increased public criticism.

Netanyahu aims to neutralize Hezbollah and isolate Hamas. However, the ongoing violence in Gaza remains the primary driver of instability in the region.

To transform this temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah into a lasting truce and bring an end to Gaza's suffering, the international community must step up its efforts and pressure on the combatants.