Sliver of hope

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah appears to be a crucial yet fragile development towards ending the 13-month long conflict that has devastated Lebanon and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Brokered by the United States, with support from France, the truce aims to de-escalate violence and pave the way for stability in the region.

The cessation of hostilities is indeed a welcome development, but the road ahead is still fraught with challenges that demand firm vigilance and cooperation.

The framework involves a 60-day timeline for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon while Lebanese government troops assume control of areas previously dominated by Hezbollah.

For now, the guns have fallen silent, but history suggests that this calm could only be temporary.

For Lebanon, the ceasefire has brought forth a moment of relief from unspeakable suffering.

Over 3,800 lives are estimated to have been lost, with nearly 16,000 injured and countless displaced.

The economic toll is staggering.

The World Bank has estimated losses of USD 8.5 billion.

Apart from widespread physical destruction, the conflict has worsened Lebanon's chronic political and economic crisis.

Hezbollah appears to have emerged from the conflict as a severely weakened force.