Residents in Lebanon’s capital expressed cautious scepticism Thursday following the extension of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel brokered by the U.S.
Israel and Lebanon had agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of “pilot” security zones inside Lebanon from which Hezbollah militants would be banned.
Many residents voiced concerns about what the ceasefire means in practice and whether it will address longstanding issues related to Israeli military presence and activity.
“According to the terms of the ceasefire, it should not favor some people over others,” said Suad Attia, a Beirut resident. “It depends on whether it includes a withdrawal from the occupied territories and does not give Israel freedom of movement based on what it considers a threat and what it does not.”
Beirut resident Khaled Zaghloul said Israel should guarantee “that it has no ambitions to occupy” Lebanon once Hezbollah is no longer a factor.
