Trump hails Lebanon ceasefire as residents describe life under 'open-air prison'

President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire in

President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire in Lebanon a success, citing a significant reduction in hostilities. However, for many Lebanese civilians, the relative quiet has come at the cost of their freedom, with Israeli forces maintaining control over a buffer zone and imposing strict restrictions that some compare to the situation in the West Bank.

The ceasefire, which took effect in late November, was intended to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. While large-scale clashes have ceased, Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon, conducting operations to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure. This has left residents in the region unable to return to their homes, with checkpoints and curfews severely limiting movement.

One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the current situation as "a prison without walls." They noted that even basic activities like farming or attending school have become nearly impossible, as Israeli forces frequently carry out arrests and demolitions of buildings suspected of housing militant activity.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported multiple violations of the ceasefire agreement by both sides, but Israeli officials argue that their operations are necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government has called for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, insisting that its own military can secure the border.

Human rights groups have echoed concerns about the impact on civilians, pointing to a growing sense of desperation among those trapped in the buffer zone. The comparison to the West Bank, where Israeli military rule has been in place for decades, is particularly striking to many observers, who fear Lebanon may be headed toward a similar long-term arrangement.

For now, the ceasefire holds, but its true success remains questionable. As one analyst put it, "A ceasefire that turns a region into an open-air prison is not a peace; it's a temporary suspension of war." The situation continues to be a volatile flashpoint in an already unstable region.