With the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, will Hezbollah abandon Gaza?

By Elijah J. Magnier

The third war between Israel and Lebanon is drawing to a close, marked by a violent “farewell” bombardment that both sides are likely to remember as they brace for the prospect of a fourth war in the future. The announcement of a cessation of hostilities between these two arch-enemies has effectively separated the Lebanese front from the Palestinian one. But does this signal that Hezbollah has abandoned Gaza and the Palestinian cause?

On 8 October, just one day after the announcement of Operation “Flood of Al-Aqsa,” the Lebanese resistance declared the launch of a “Support Front” to assist the people and resistance in Palestine, citing moral and humanitarian obligations. Hezbollah subsequently began targeting Israeli military positions in occupied and disputed Lebanese territories, escalating the conflict. What initially appeared to be a series of limited skirmishes transformed into a broader confrontation spanning several kilometres on both sides of the border, culminating in a quasi-comprehensive war. After more than 13 months of hostilities, Hezbollah has now agreed to accept UN Resolution 1701, which mandates a cessation of hostilities by both parties but without any additional protocols.