Relief as Hezbollah and Israel seem to step back from brink

For nearly a month, people in Lebanon have been anxiously waiting for Hezbollah to strike back at Israel. The whole area has been on edge, wondering if this would trigger a larger conflict.

It was widely expected that the well-known Iranian-supported organization would retaliate after Israel killed a high-ranking military leader, Fuad Shukr, on July 30. The Israelis were able to find and assassinate him in the core territory of Hezbollah in South Beirut. This was considered a significant defeat and embarrassment for Hezbollah.

Shortly after, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, in a manner that resembled another Israeli mission. However, Iran is still indicating that its response may take a while to unfold.

At 05:15 on Sunday, Hezbollah took action by firing over 300 Katyusha rockets and numerous drones into Israel. This was a calculated act of retaliation, delivered with precision and falling short of some people's expectations.

Hezbollah announced that it aimed at 11 military installations and claimed victory in its assault. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the majority of the rockets did not hit their intended targets.

In any case, Hezbollah did not target large cities in Israel or critical infrastructure. They also did not use their most powerful weapons. The organization, considered a terrorist group by the UK and the US, is believed to have a larger arsenal than some countries.

Israel was the first to strike at 04:30, sending fighter jets into the sky to attack Hezbollah firing positions. The IDF described this action as a "pre-emptive strike" that wiped out numerous rocket launchers.

This was the most intense conflict we have seen since the Gaza war started last October, following an attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel in just one day.

Ever since that time, Hezbollah has been exchanging gunfire with Israel along the border they share. They have been showing their backing for their friend Hamas and expressing their unity with the residents of Gaza.

What is our current situation, one day later? It's unexpected, but the Middle East might actually be slightly more secure.

Both parties have exchanged messages, but have not escalated into a full-blown conflict. Hezbollah has indicated its willingness to put an end to the Fuad Shukr situation - at least for now.

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, said that they may choose to respond later, but for now, people can relax and go on with their daily activities.

After a stressful month, that was a much-needed announcement for many people in this place.

He was speaking to his followers on television from a secret location - he could be at the top of Israel’s list for assassination.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the recent strikes against Hezbollah on Sunday were just the beginning and there is more to come.

However, diplomats informed Reuters that both parties had communicated to each other expressing their desire to avoid any additional escalation.

In southern Lebanon, the typical low-intensity conflict has resumed.

Israel recently carried out another attack, causing a car to catch on fire in the hot streets of Sidon, a port city. According to reports from people living in the area, the intended victim was a Hamas leader who was able to escape before the attack.

By the shoreline in the town of Tyre, Israeli fighter jets are flying close to the ground, causing a sonic boom - yet the beach is bustling with even more people.

"Today, everything seems peaceful," mentioned a young man in his twenties who preferred not to share his name.

Everything went back to the way it was before. The streets are now peaceful, but people have started to go out again. Today, people can finally relax.

Hezbollah postponed its planned response to allow for discussions about a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the recent discussions in Egypt have concluded without any clear advancements.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to persist, spreading fear and chaos, it is also contributing to unrest throughout the Middle East region.