Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect
Hezbollah and Israel began exchanging fire the day after Hamas launched their terrorist attack from Gaza on Israel in 2023.
The ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon appeared to hold Wednesday after Joe Biden stated that the agreement to stop fighting along the Israeli-Lebanon Border was “designed as a permanent cessation in hostilities.”
More than 3,500 people have been killed in the war, and 1.2 million have had to leave their homes. Around 80 Israeli soldiers, 50 civilians and 60,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.
Biden said that the United States, along with its partners including France, will “ensure this deal is fully implemented” following its implementation at 4 a.m. Wednesday local time (9 p.m. ET Tuesday). ET Tuesday).
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The president stated from the White House that “Israel retains its right to self defense in accordance with international law” if Hezbollah, or anyone else, breaks the deal and poses a threat to Israel.
He said that the agreement was in Lebanon’s interest and supported its sovereignty. He added that its people, just like those of Gaza, deserved an end to violence and displacement.
“The people in Gaza have experienced hell. “Their world is utterly shattered,” Biden stated, adding that Hamas can only end the war with Israel by releasing the hostages.
He said the agreement between Israel, the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and “reminds us of peace being possible.”
The president repeated, “Peace is possible.” “As long I believe that, I will never stop trying to bring it about.”
As the agreement went into effect, the U.S. secretary of defense also celebrated “a historic moment”.
Lloyd Austin, in a press release, said that the diplomatic solution would allow tens thousands of civilians to return to their homes safely on both sides of border. It will also put an end the violence and destruction caused by this conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, said that before Biden announced Tuesday’s agreement, his cabinet had approved it, ten ministers to one.
Netanyahu stated that Israel “appreciates the U.S. contributions to the process and reserves the right to act against any threats to its security”.
Senior U.S. officials said that once the deal is implemented, there will be no more shooting from any party and Israel will begin its phased withdrawal.
The official stated that Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon and the Lebanese security and military forces will begin to deploy toward the south after a 60-day time period.
The official added that the Israeli military would withdraw in the next 50-60 days when the Lebanese army reaches the southern border.
Netanyahu had said earlier Tuesday that he recommended his Cabinet approve the deal with Hezbollah. Hezbollah began exchanging fire with Israel one day after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023. In this attack, approximately 1,200 people died and 250 were taken hostage according to Israeli officials.
According to health officials, Israel’s military operation in Gaza Strip has resulted in more than 41,000 deaths since that time.
Hezbollah claims to support the Palestinian resistance, but Israel views it as an attempt by Tehran against the Jewish state.
Israel also killed some of Hezbollah’s most powerful leaders. Hassan Nasrallah was among them. Under his leadership, the group became one of the most powerful paramilitary groups in the Middle East, backed by Iran.
Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders promised to continue their attacks against Hezbollah as long as the 60,000 northern Israelis who had been displaced from their homes could return in safety. Since Oct. 7, 2023, around 90 Israeli soldiers and fifty Israeli civilians were killed.
According to the health ministry of Lebanon, Israeli bombings have killed more than 3,820 Lebanese since the conflict began. This campaign has caused 1.2 million refugees and a humanitarian disaster.
According to a World Bank report, the physical and economic damage caused by the conflict in Lebanon is estimated at $8.5 billion.
Israel has been focusing on the Lebanon conflict in this multifront Middle East war. This is partly due to Hezbollah’s massive missile arsenal. It’s bigger than any non-state group on the planet and believed to be able to overwhelm Israel’s missile defence.
Biden stated that he is committed to achieving his vision of “an integrated, prosperous and secure region” which will strengthen America’s natural safety.
He expressed his hope and prayer for a cease-fire to occur between Israel and Hamas, and that “a Palestinian state would be created that fulfilled the legitimate aspirations of these people; one which could not threaten Israel nor harbor terrorist groups backed by Iran.” “A future in which Israelis and Palestinians both enjoy equal security, prosperity and dignity.”
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