**Ceasefire Brings Relief to Lebanon**
The people of Lebanon are eagerly waiting for a ceasefire to take place. According to a leading Lebanese expert, the anticipation is like being a child on Christmas Eve, unable to sleep with excitement.
**Massive Destruction and Loss of Life**
In recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 3,500 Lebanese citizens. Over one million people have been forced to flee their homes due to Israeli military action. Thousands have been injured, and tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed.
**Israeli Perspectives**
Not everyone in Israel is pleased with the ceasefire. Some feel that they could have done more damage to Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with local officials from towns near the border, which have been evacuated and reduced to ghost towns.
**Uncertainty and Controversy**
There are mixed opinions on whether the ceasefire will be enforced. A poll conducted by Israeli channel 12 News showed that respondents were evenly split between supporters and critics of the ceasefire. Half of those polled believed that Hezbollah had not been defeated, and 30% thought the ceasefire would collapse.
**Background to the Ceasefire**
A deal was close to being finalized at a UN meeting in New York last month. Diplomats from the US and UK believed that a ceasefire similar to the current one was imminent. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to accept any pause to Israel’s offensive, even delivering a fiery address at the UN.
**Escalation and Aftermath**
The assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah marked a significant escalation in the conflict. Israel’s army has caused significant damage to Hezbollah’s organizational structure. While Hezbollah can still fire missiles over the border, its fighters are no longer posing the same threat to Israel.
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