Voices for Peace: The Imperative of UN Resolutions in Lebanon's Ongoing Struggle

Introduction
The conflict began in 1982, with Israel's invasion of Lebanon, leading to Hezbollah’s emergence as a resistance movement. Several confrontations, notably in 1993, 2000, and 2006, have occurred, with a recent escalation starting in 2023. UN Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701, aimed at ending the conflict, remain largely unenforced. This has led to over 1.2 million displaced people and significant destruction. Lebanon's political instability, including a vacant presidency and a paralyzed Parliament, further complicates the situation, obstructing governance and conflict resolution efforts.‍

The Role of Hezbollah’s Origins and Its Ties to Iran
Founded in the 1980s with Iranian support, Hezbollah was established to resist Israeli occupation and serve as Iran's regional proxy. Iran's backing, which includes financial aid, training, and weapons, has transformed Hezbollah into a significant military force. This role as Iran's proxy complicates Lebanon’s internal politics and regional relations, keeping Hezbollah at the center of conflicts across the region, particularly against Israel.‍

Failure to Implement International Resolutions‍

UN resolutions aimed at peace have not been fully enforced:

• Resolution 1559 (2004) called for disarmament of militias and the withdrawal of foreign troops. Despite the withdrawal of Syrian forces, Hezbollah remains armed and influential.
• Resolution 1680 (2006) emphasized Lebanese sovereignty and border demarcation, which remains unresolved due to Hezbollah’s presence.
• Resolution 1701 (2006) established a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Despite this, Hezbollah maintains a presence, violating the ceasefire agreement.

Without robust enforcement, these resolutions remain symbolic, allowing Hezbollah’s influence to grow and perpetuate conflict.
‍

Political Instability in Lebanon
Lebanon's political paralysis exacerbates the conflict. The absence of a president and a caretaker government with limited authority prevents effective governance. Parliament, blocked by Hezbollah and its allies, struggles to elect a new president, hindering the formation of a stable government capable of addressing security threats. This vacuum allows Hezbollah to operate autonomously, undermining Lebanese sovereignty and complicating internal and external politics.‍

Implications of the Current Conflict
The current conflict in Lebanon has its roots in a series of escalating tensions that reached a breaking point after the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. This assault, which resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread panic, prompted Israel to launch extensive military operations in Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure. Within just 24 hours of the attack, Hezbollah initiated its own military actions against Israel on October 8, purportedly to support Hamas and open a second front. This strategic move was designed to stretch Israel's military resources and complicate its operations in Gaza.Iran, a staunch ally of both Hamas and Hezbollah, had orchestrated this escalation as part of a broader strategy to draw Israel into negotiations and revive the Palestinian cause, which had suffered from years of neglect on the international stage. Iran aimed to thwart any emerging peace agreements between Israel and Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, which had been warming up to normalization with Israel. However, these geopolitical calculations quickly unraveled. Within a short period, Gaza fell under intensified Israeli control, and Hezbollah’s involvement not only exacerbated the conflict but also plunged Lebanon into a new, violent confrontation with Israel.As the conflict intensified, the humanitarian impact became catastrophic. By early October 2024, the estimated death toll had surpassed 1,500, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Precise figures remain elusive due to the chaotic situation on the ground and the difficulties in accessing affected areas. Thousands of lives were shattered as families were torn apart, homes destroyed, and communities uprooted. The United Nations reported that over 1.2 million people had been displaced, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters or fleeing to safer regions within Lebanon or neighboring countries.Lebanon's infrastructure, already fragile due to years of political instability and economic turmoil, faced further deterioration. Hospitals, schools, and essential services were overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced individuals and the casualties resulting from the ongoing violence. The country, once known for its vibrant culture and history, was now transformed into a war zone, with scenes of devastation and despair becoming increasingly common.Politically, Lebanon's situation has grown dire. The entrenched political divisions that have long plagued the country became more pronounced as the conflict escalated. The Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, faced intense criticism for failing to convene sessions to address the violence and coordinate a national response, reflecting a paralyzed political system. Hezbollah’s actions, seen by many as reckless and provocative, exacerbated tensions within Lebanon, further dividing the population along political and sectarian lines.Iran's direct interference through Hezbollah has been a critical factor in the conflict's escalation. Hezbollah, which has positioned itself as a defender of Iran’s interest in the region, has increasingly engaged in confrontations with Israel, using civilian areas as shields against retaliatory strikes. This tactic has not only put Lebanese civilians at greater risk but has also drawn severe reprisals from Israel, resulting in widespread destruction and casualties. Incidents have ranged from border skirmishes to targeted strikes on Hezbollah leadership, including the assassination of a key figures such as the head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah that further inflamed tensions.As the situation spiraled into madness, the majority Lebanese citizens voiced their opposition to the war, calling for an end to the violence and advocating for a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Demonstrations erupted across the country, emphasizing the need for peace and highlighting the disconnect between the ruling political elite and the will of the people. The call for peace resonates amidst a backdrop of fear, uncertainty, and an ever-looming threat of a larger regional conflict, as Israel warned of potential ground invasions into Lebanon if the situation did not stabilize.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, rooted in unresolved grievances and failed international resolutions, has had devastating humanitarian impacts on Lebanon. UN Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701 offer frameworks for peace, but their lack of enforcement has allowed the cycle of violence to persist. The political vacuum in Lebanon enables Hezbollah’s autonomy, undermining efforts for a unified national policy. Effective implementation of these resolutions, along with political reform, is essential for sustainable peace.The international community must enforce disarmament, support stable governance in Lebanon, and facilitate dialogue to address the immediate crisis and build long-term stability. Only through a concerted effort can the cycle of violence be broken, ensuring a future where Lebanese voices are heard, free from the shadows of conflict and external influence.