JSpaceCanada welcomes the news of a ceasefire that will end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, after more than a year of fighting.
The fighting began in the aftermath of Hamas’ horrific terror attacks on October 7, 2023, with a barrage of rockets fired into Israel’s north, displacing tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes for over a year. As fighting intensified, thousands of Lebanese were likewise displaced from Lebanon’s south. Both Israel and Lebanon must now ensure that the terms of the ceasefire are upheld and that both Israeli and Lebanese citizens can begin the process of returning to their homes.
While we welcome this ceasefire, and see it as an important step in deescalating conflict in the region which has been steadily escalating for the past year, this must be a first step, with the same diplomatic efforts implemented to now advance a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.
For many civilians - Israeli and Lebanese - security for them, after more than a year, ultimately comes from diplomatic, not military means. Likewise, for Israelis and Palestinians and anyone in the region who seeks peace and security, only diplomacy will accomplish this.
We continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions and urge the Canadian government and Jewish communal leaders to support such efforts.