Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Takes Effect

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began at 4 AM local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday. The agreement, announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, aims to end a 14-month conflict that has killed thousands and caused widespread destruction.

“The fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end,” Biden stated. He described the ceasefire as a “permanent cessation of hostilities.”

Civilian Lives to Be Rebuilt

Biden highlighted the potential for rebuilding efforts. “Civilians on both sides will soon be able to return to their communities and rebuild their homes, schools, farms, businesses, and lives,” he said.

Hezbollah Remains Silent

Hezbollah has yet to formally comment on the truce. Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri mediated on behalf of the group, as it did not directly participate in negotiations.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the agreement. He told Biden the deal was a positive step for Lebanon.

Israel to Withdraw, Lebanese Army to Deploy

Under the agreement, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon over 60 days. The Lebanese army and state security forces will deploy to the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured Biden that Israel would maintain its “freedom of action” in enforcing the agreement.

International Support for Peace

The United States and France pledged to support the ceasefire. Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement promising to assist with implementing the agreement.

Both nations also committed to building the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces and promoting economic development in Lebanon to ensure long-term stability.

Lebanese Army Prepares to Move South Under Ceasefire

Heavy Casualties During Conflict

Since the conflict began on October 8, 2023, at least 3,768 Lebanese have died, and 15,699 have been injured. The violence escalated after Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon last month.

Lebanon began attacking Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The cross-border attacks persisted for months, devastating communities on both sides.

Bombardments Continue Before Ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes intensified in the hours leading up to the ceasefire. Warplanes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs on Tuesday.

Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, reporting from Beirut, confirmed the strikes continued minutes after Biden’s ceasefire announcement. “Within five minutes or so of Biden completing his speech, we heard loud explosions in Beirut. Sirens also started sounding in northern Israel,” Basravi reported.

The ceasefire has sparked cautious optimism. While the truce brings hope for peace, many fear its fragility. The long-term success depends on full implementation and mutual adherence to the agreement.

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