**Ceasefire in Lebanon: A Temporary Respite**
The people of Lebanon have been waiting for a ceasefire, and it has finally arrived. At a conference in Rome on the Middle East, a leading Lebanese expert said that she couldn’t sleep as the time for the ceasefire drew nearer.
It was like a relief for many, who had been living under the threat of violence for so long. The ceasefire is fragile and deliberately timed to buy more time for it to be effective. But what does this mean for the future?
**The Conflict in Gaza**
Gaza is a different story altogether. The war there is about more than border security and Israeli hostages. It’s also about revenge and Benjamin Netanyahu‘s political survival.
Netanyahu’s government has rejected Palestinian independence aspirations, making a peaceful solution almost impossible. The conflict between Israel and Palestinians is the biggest challenge facing the Middle East today.
**Trump’s Impact**
The US election has brought new uncertainty to the region. Some optimists believe that President-elect Trump may want to create an event similar to President Nixon’s visit to China in 1992 by reaching out to Iran.
Others worry that he may abandon the hollow genuflection the US still gives to the idea of creating an independent Palestine alongside Israel, paving the way for Israeli annexation of parts of the occupied Palestinian territory.
**A Temporary Solution**
The ceasefire in Lebanon provides a temporary respite from the violence. But it is not a permanent solution. The fundamental political ruptures in the region need to be addressed and fixed for peace to be achieved.
Every generation has failed to achieve peace through military victory. It’s time for a new approach, one that prioritizes dialogue, diplomacy, and a commitment to a two-state solution.
**What’s Next?**
The Middle East awaits President-elect Trump’s impact on the region. Will he bring a new era of peace and cooperation, or will he exacerbate the existing conflicts?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – the people of the Middle East deserve a better future, one free from violence and conflict.