In the Nabatieh district, following Israeli airstrikes seen from Marjayoun, in southern Lebanon, May 8, 2025. KARAMALLAH DAHER/REUTERS
Arab media commentators have used the expression "a Lebanese model in Gaza" to emphasize the possibility that the Palestinian enclave could experience a ceasefire that amounts to little more than a de-escalation of a low-intensity war. This type of conflict is characterized by sporadic violence and targeted killings by one belligerent, as well as the pervasive presence of surveillance drones. All of these factors prevent a return to stability. This has been the prevailing situation in Lebanon since the end of the war between Israel and Hezbollah on November 27, 2024.
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Displaced residents in southern Lebanon fear return of large-scale war
This Lebanon-Gaza comparison was drawn notably after the massive strikes carried out by the Israeli military on Palestinian territory on Tuesday, October 28, and into the following day. Israel said it was responding to the death of one of its soldiers in southern Gaza and to what it called the slow process of returning the bodies of hostages by Hamas. These bombings killed more than 100 Palestinians, including dozens of civilians, before Israel announced a return to the ceasefire. A similar escalation occurred on October 19, the 10th day of the truce.
