A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah took effect at 0200 GMT on Wednesday, following an agreement brokered by the United States and France. The ceasefire aims to end months of conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border, which escalated after the Gaza war last year and resulted in thousands of deaths.
While the ceasefire officially took effect, bursts of gunfire were heard in Beirut, though it was unclear if it was celebratory or related to evacuation alerts. People displaced from southern Lebanon due to Israeli strikes began returning to the area as the ceasefire went into effect.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire after Israel's security cabinet approved the agreement. Biden confirmed that both sides had accepted the deal, which is designed to bring a permanent halt to hostilities. He stated that Hezbollah would no longer be allowed to threaten Israel’s security, and the Israeli military would begin withdrawing its forces in 60 days, with Lebanon's army taking control of the area near the border to ensure Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure.
Although Hezbollah has not officially commented, a senior official, Hassan Fadlallah, expressed support for strengthening Lebanon’s state authority, while also claiming the group would emerge stronger from the war. Iran, which supports Hezbollah, welcomed the ceasefire, as did French President Emmanuel Macron, who said the deal was the result of months of diplomatic efforts.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the ceasefire, emphasizing that Israel would respond decisively to any violations. He said the ceasefire would allow Israel to focus on threats from Iran and give the military time to rest and replenish supplies. However, there was opposition within Israel, particularly from those who felt the deal did not sufficiently protect the country’s northern border.
The ceasefire marks a crucial step toward ending the conflict, but concerns remain about its long-term success, especially regarding Hezbollah’s commitment to disarmament and the future security of both nations.
#Israel #Hezbollah #Ceasefire #MiddleEast #PeaceAgreement #Lebanon #IsraelLebanonConflict #JoeBiden #FrenchDiplomacy #HezbollahIsrael #ConflictResolution #LebanonCrisis #IsraeliSecurity #UNPeacekeepers #BidenAdministration #MiddleEastPeace #HassanFadlallah #Netanyahu #HezbollahCeasefire #IsraelDefense