Amid global calls for peace in the Middle East, Israel has initiated a ceasefire in Lebanon after an all-out war with Hezbollah. But fighting will continue in Gaza, where Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian Hamas group.
Israel’s cabinet last night approved a cease-fire agreement brokered by the United States and France by a vote of 10-1. Announcing the “good news”, US President Joe Biden said the ceasefire would come into effect from 4am (7:30am IST) and would be a “new start” for Lebanon.
Officials said firing from both sides would stop during the ceasefire. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added that any violation by Hezbollah would be met with strong retaliation from Israel.
“We will complete the mission to annihilate Hamas, bring all hostages home, guarantee that Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel, and bring the northern population home safely,” the prime minister said.
As part of the cease-fire agreement, Lebanese forces will begin a 60-day deployment to the south, during which Israel will gradually withdraw from Lebanese territory, officials said. The agreement also calls for Hezbollah to withdraw from the southern border and move up the Litani River.
The ceasefire announcement came after a day of the heaviest Israeli attack on Beirut since September. Even early on Wednesday, less than an hour before the ceasefire began, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on southern Beirut, about two hours after ordering an evacuation.
Wars are raging across the Middle East, with Israel fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Israel and Iran are also in a crossfire over support for these groups.
