The recent cessation of hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon may present Palestine’s Palestinians in Gaza, and Lebanese citizens, with a positive cause of celebration as they look forward to more fruitful livelihoods not involving horrifying attacks, expulsion, and killings. People have been posting to Twitter and Facebook and writing blog posts full of love, supporting both sides despite the current situation in Gaza.

Solidarity Across Borders

The war, which has lasted for a year with Israel and Hezbollah starting the fighting soon after the war in Gaza in October 2023, has helped to kill over 3,800 people in Lebanon. When the cease-fire began to happen early Wednesday evening, Lebanese citizens started moving to their homes in the south, the same joy of finding Palestinians in Gaza depicted through social networks.

About this news Palestinian Abubaker Abed summarized the feelings of every person – These are our news, not theirs. Alhamdulillah. No more killings in Lebanon. Lebanese people can now enjoy a life of October and serenity.” Journalist Anas al-Sharif also prayed for the same in Gaza as the population sought a stop to the killing that has taken more than 44000 lives in the blockade-hit territory.

A lot of Gazans were still grateful towards Lebanon because the people of Lebanon have helped Gaza during the worst years. Palestinian journalist Hossam Shabat said the friendly and supportive role that has emerged from the Lebanese people and they considered themselves brothers in their support for our people.

Celebration Amid Reflection

A few days ago a ceasefire was declared and though this has encouraged optimism among Palestinians questions can be asked. A survey of the posts shared by the Gazan social media users indicated both hope and concern among the Gaza population. Another user said, “I am positively inclined toward the cessation of operation in Lebanon since nobody could wish for death and displacement. But will we live to see a ceasefire in Gaza?”

However, some viewed such images as Lebanon families returning home for inspiration. Harazen responded as follows, “Like those in the southern region of Lebanon, we yearn to get back to the northern region of the Gaza Strip.” They will rejoice for we will rejoice just as they rejoiced their return.”

Lebanese Twitter users’ described their return home with sombre narratives. Some heard the loudspeaker announcements made by Hezbollah fighters before occupying their homes, stating sorry and offering money. The gesture was viral on social media as a token of respect and humanitarianism in the calamity.(More)

The tasks of reconstructing and coming to terms

Nevertheless, actual conditions in southern Lebanon are sheer devastation. Pictures of burnt-down villages such as Bint Jbeil show the process of reconstruction as a herculean effort. This patriotism shows Lebanese people how much they long for their land even if it is in ruins, meaning that most Lebanese have patriotic hearts.

Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta, a surgeon who has worked in both Gaza and Lebanon, captured the emotional weight of this bond: “The something that keeps Aboriginal population attached to the territory… compels Palestinians to remain in the northern Gaza Strip as residents get massacred and Lebanese rebuild their homes.”

While Lebanon slowly rebuilds itself and Gaza continues to suffer it remains a hope that one day these people can live in peace. For now, the ceasefire symbolizes hope in other people’s fight.