A permanent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah is set to begin on Wednesday, ending a yearlong conflict. President Joe Biden announced the deal, brokered by France and the U.S., emphasizing that it is a permanent cessation of hostilities. The conflict began in October 2023 after Israel retaliated against a terror attack by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Under the agreement, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will cease, and both sides will gradually withdraw their forces over the next 60 days. This will allow civilians to return to their communities and rebuild their lives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for the ceasefire, focusing on eliminating the Iranian threat and ensuring the return of hostages and residents.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, hostilities continued on Tuesday, with Israel conducting airstrikes in Beirut and Hezbollah launching missile strikes in northern Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called for effective enforcement from the U.N. to prevent any future threats.
The international community has welcomed the ceasefire, urging an end to offensives in the Gaza Strip to address the growing humanitarian crisis. Both Israel and Hamas previously honored a truce in November 2023. The U.S., along with France and other allies, will support the implementation of the ceasefire without deploying American troops.
This breakthrough in diplomatic relations between Israel and Hezbollah provides hope for lasting peace in the region. It signifies a step towards stability and security for both countries, allowing civilians to rebuild and move forward from the devastating conflict. The successful negotiation of the ceasefire demonstrates the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving conflicts and promoting peace.
