Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A US-mediated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday (local time), marking a significant development in the long-standing conflict in southern Lebanon. Both parties have expressed tentative support for the terms, which aim to de-escalate violence and address the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
Key Terms of the Agreement
•The ceasefire will last for 60 days, during which Israeli forces will retreat to their side of the border, and Hezbollah will withdraw from southern Lebanon.
•Thousands of Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers will be deployed south of the Litani River to ensure stability.
•An international monitoring group, led by the United States, will oversee compliance by both parties.
•Israel retains the right to act if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire terms, a condition that Lebanese officials have opposed.
The conflict, which has displaced over 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis, has resulted in over 3,700 Lebanese deaths and 130 Israeli casualties.
Reactions from the US and UK
US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire. Biden called it a “positive step” towards peace, while Starmer highlighted the urgency of addressing the broader humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s Stance
Hezbollah has voiced conditional support for the ceasefire, contingent on assurances that Israel will not resume attacks. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, emphasized the need to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Impact on Gaza
The agreement does not directly address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where hostilities persist following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Hezbollah has linked its actions to developments in Gaza, raising concerns about the broader implications of the truce.
