Wed Nov 27 02:43:30 UTC 2024: ## Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire in Lebanon, Brokered by US and France
**Beirut/Jerusalem** – A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon came into effect at 4 am local time (7:30 am IST) Wednesday, following a deal brokered by the United States and France. The Israeli cabinet approved the agreement by a 10-1 vote.
The truce, announced by US President Joe Biden as a “new start for Lebanon,” follows days of intense fighting. Even in the hour before the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes hit south Beirut. The deal involves a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory over 60 days, concurrent with the deployment of Lebanese forces to the south. Hezbollah is required to retreat from the southern border and move north to the Litani River.
While firing will cease from both sides, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that any violation by Hezbollah will be met with forceful retaliation. He stated the ceasefire allows Israel to focus its resources on the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and the threat posed by Iran. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s pressure on Hamas will intensify now that Hezbollah is temporarily removed from the equation. He reiterated Israel’s goals of eliminating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, ending the threat from Gaza, and ensuring the safe return of residents from the north.
Notably, Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that refused to disarm after the 1990 Lebanese civil war, was not directly involved in the truce negotiations. Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri represented them in the talks.
President Biden expressed confidence that the ceasefire in Lebanon could pave the way for an end to hostilities in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. He assured that the US and its allies will provide support to ensure the agreement’s effective implementation. An unnamed US official echoed this sentiment, suggesting the Lebanon ceasefire as a potential stepping stone towards resolving the Gaza conflict.
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