Beirut, Lebanon - December 20, 2024 International airlines have been resuming flights to Lebanon following the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, bringing connectivity back to the country after months of disruption. The Lebanese government began issuing permits at the end of November and has continued to do so, allowing most international flights to resume during the holiday season alongside the resumption of development work at the airport. The arrivals hall at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport is bustling with activity as the Christmas season approaches. Lebanese expatriates returning home for celebrations and Arab tourists are expressing their joy at being able to travel to Lebanon once again. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on Nov 27, putting an end to the confrontations that erupted on Oct 8, 2023. It stipulates that Israel will withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army deployed in the country's south to prevent any presence of weapons and militants south of the Litani River. Despite fears of a return to conflict after the cessation of hostilities agreement expires, the Lebanese government says it will do everything it can to protect the airport, stressing that all land and airports are subject to Lebanese law and under the authority of the security forces and the Lebanese army. Shotlist: Beirut, Lebanon - Dec 20, 2024: 1. Various of traffic, travelers outside airport; 2. Various of people waiting at airport arrival gate; 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali Hamieh, Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transportation: "We will all be at the service of all Lebanese, expatriates and all nationalities that'll visit Lebanon during the holiday period, and provide all the necessary facilities at all levels. Almost all airlines are operating flights and there are new airlines that have requested flight slots, and we've agreed to all of them directly. We also have resumed the process of airport development."; 4. Various of travelers exiting airport arrival gate; 5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Egyptian traveler (name not given): "The current news is encouraging and the situation is good, and when we came and saw the airport and the people and the treatment, everything was very nice."; 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Lebanese expatriate (name not given): "It was a depressing experience for everyone, and we were encouraged to come after the war ended. We've come to see our families."; 7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Egyptian traveler (name not given): "I'm an Egyptian and have lived in Lebanon for 35 years, now I've returned, it's my second home. We hope to see prosperity, no wars, and the Lebanese living in safety."; 8. Various of travelers at airport. [Restriction - No access Chinese Mainland]