Gaza and Lebanon truces are fragile but may still hold as both sides seek to avoid conflict. In Gaza, the truce between Hamas and Israel is under pressure due to Hamas’s refusal to release more hostages, while Israel continues to extend its involvement in ground operations. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the truce between the government and Hizballah is tested by recent escalations in violence. Both situations hinge on whether all parties can maintain flexibility without escalating into broader war.
Key details include:
– In Gaza, Hamas maintains control over security forces but won’t release more hostages, complicating efforts to extend the truce.
– In Lebanon, Hizballah has not withdrawn its forces from southern Beirut despite early signs of calm, raising concerns about a longer-term ceasefire.
Experts note that external factors, including President Trump’s role in Gaza, could influence whether either truce remains intact beyond current efforts.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/world/middleeast/gaza-lebanon-israel-ceasefire.html