Ceasefire extended to Feb. 18 as Hezbollah captive talks set to begin

The White House, in a statement dated January 26, said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended until February 18, 2025. There are also continuing negotiations with regard to Lebanese prisoners held by Israel since October 7, 2023.

A United States-brokered truce in November 2024 had established the original ceasefire agreement to bring an end to the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. It called for the immediate 60-day withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the pullback of Hezbollah north of the Litani River. But as the first deadline drew near, the border grew more tense. On January 26, Israeli troops allegedly fired on Lebanese civilians trying to return to their homes in the south, killing at least 22 people and wounding many others.

Israel blamed the incomplete deployment of the Lebanese army in southern areas as one of the main reasons for its delay in pulling out. The Israeli government is concerned that Hezbollah may regain access to those areas if the Lebanese military does not take full control. The Lebanese army has responded by saying it cannot deploy properly before the Israeli forces leave the region.

Captive Deal to Be Discussed in Coming Weeks

Along with the extension of the ceasefire, an agreement has been reached between the governments of Lebanon, Israel, and the United States to begin talks on the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023. This is regarded by many as one step closer towards humanitarian needs and confidence-building between the parties.

Although the extension of the ceasefire does, for the time being, prevent active conflict, the situation remains precarious. The international community remains attentive to reports of compliance with the terms of the ceasefire and developments in follow-up negotiations. Full implementation of these agreements is important for consolidating long-term stability in the area and providing the necessary guarantees for the voluntary return of displaced persons to their homes.

The strike of the extension of the ceasefire to February 18, initiated with captive negotiations, is a cautious yet hopeful step toward peace between Israel and Lebanon. Continued diplomatic efforts and mutual cooperation will be required to navigate through the intricacies of the conflict in order for it to reach a lasting resolution.