Truce over Lebanon

Prospects for a comprehensive peace plan in the Middle East got a shot in the arm as a ceasefire came into being between Israel and Lebanon. The fact that guns are silenced for 10 days has provided an added impetus to behind-the-curtain talks between the US and Iran. Pakistan's mediation efforts deserve a word of praise, and they duly stand acknowledged by the diplomatic community. The troublesome frontier of Lebanon was acting as an impediment as Tehran had made it a conditionality to include it in the wider mosaic of peace talks, warning the Jewish state of severe retaliation. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh had said that any ceasefire must include all conflict zones "from Lebanon to the Red Sea", describing it as a "red line" for the Islamic Republic. The cessation of hostilities over Lebanon are resting on a razor-edge, fraught with serious consequences on anything going wayward. Hezbollah has warned that it has its "finger on the trigger" because of being "wary of the enemy's treachery". Likewise, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun believes that direct negotiations with Israel are "crucial and the gateway for proceeding with negotiations", as French President Emmanuel Macron exhibited his concern by saying that a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel "may already be undermined by ongoing military operations". Thus, it is pertinent for all parties concerned to walk the tightrope of caution, and ensure that the security imbroglio of Lebanon is addressed once and for all. It has acted as a gangrene in the region owing to uninterrupted meddling of Israel in the affairs of its northern security-starved neighbour, prompting intervention from Iran in support of Hezbollah militia. It's time for the tactful parleys underway to bear full dividends. The goodwill expressed by Iran by reopening the Straits of Hormuz for all vessels during the Lebanon ceasefire is a win-win proposition. President Trump has also hailed it as a welcome development, hinting at a second round of peace talks to be held in Islamabad. The ceasefire is a catalyst on the path of perpetual peace, and must be upheld.