Mon Nov 18 22:11:07 UTC 2024: ## Lebanon and Hezbollah Agree to US-Proposed Ceasefire with Israel

**BEIRUT, Lebanon (November 19, 2024)** — Lebanon and Hezbollah have accepted a U.S.-mediated ceasefire proposal with Israel, marking a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict. A senior Lebanese official confirmed the development, describing the initiative as the most serious attempt yet to halt the fighting.

Ali Hassan Khalil, an aide to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, stated that Lebanon submitted its written response to the U.S. ambassador on Monday. White House envoy Amos Hochstein is en route to Beirut to continue negotiations. Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed group, has fully endorsed Berri’s role in the negotiations.

Mr. Khalil emphasized that Lebanon’s response affirmed its commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The resolution mandates Hezbollah’s disarmament and removal from the area between the Lebanese-Israeli border and the Litani River.

However, the success of the ceasefire hinges on Israel’s response. Mr. Khalil warned that Israeli intransigence could derail the peace efforts, noting that Israel’s continued bombardment of Beirut and Hezbollah-controlled areas would not influence Lebanon’s position. Israel has long maintained that Resolution 1701 has not been fully implemented due to Hezbollah’s continued presence and weaponry along the border, while Lebanon accuses Israel of airspace violations. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue.

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