Key Points
- Israel agrees to a US-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah, ending 14 months of conflict.
- The ceasefire includes a two-month halt in fighting and the withdrawal of forces from southern Lebanon.
- US President Biden supports the deal and urges a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Israel reserves the right to resume operations if Hezbollah breaks the truce.
- Lebanon’s Prime Minister welcomes the deal, highlighting stability and the return of displaced people.
- Hezbollah has agreed to the ceasefire but is still reviewing the final agreement.
Looma News
Israel has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, brokered by the United States, bringing an end to the conflict that has lasted nearly 14 months. The ceasefire, announced on Tuesday, is part of a broader effort to address unrest in the region, which escalated after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. However, the deal does not affect the ongoing war in Gaza, where fighting continues and Hamas still holds hostages.
Before the ceasefire began, Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing at least 24 people, signaling its intention to weaken Hezbollah. The truce will go into effect at 4 am local time on Wednesday, but Israeli officials have made it clear that they have the right to retaliate if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire.
The agreement includes a two-month break in fighting, with Hezbollah agreeing to pull its forces back from southern Lebanon. In return, Israeli troops will return to their side of the border. Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers will be deployed to monitor the ceasefire, and an international panel led by the US will oversee compliance.
US President Joe Biden called the ceasefire “good news” and expressed hope that it could lead to further peace efforts, including a ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also welcomed the deal but stressed that Israel reserves the right to take action if any security threats arise. Netanyahu added that the truce would help isolate Hamas and allow Israel to focus on its main adversary, Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, praised the ceasefire as an important step towards regional stability and the return of displaced people. However, Hezbollah officials, while supportive of the deal, said they were still reviewing the final terms, especially Israel’s demand for the freedom to act if the ceasefire is violated.
The conflict began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks into northern Israel in retaliation for Hamas’ initial strike. Since then, both sides have exchanged fire, leading to significant casualties and destruction. The ceasefire aims to reduce tensions and create the possibility for long-term peace in the region.
