Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire after almost 14 months of conflict which was brokered by the United States. The ceasefire agreement was approved by Israel’s security Cabinet and is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. This agreement marks the first significant step towards ending the unrest in the region that began with Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. However, it does not address the ongoing war in Gaza.
The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting, during which Hezbollah is required to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel led by the United States would monitor compliance from all sides. Israel has emphasized its right to act if Hezbollah violates the terms of the truce.
Despite the agreement, Israeli warplanes carried out intense strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs, causing casualties and destruction. Lebanon’s health authorities reported at least 24 people killed in these strikes. Israel has continued its campaign to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities, targeting fighters and infrastructure associated with the group.
Hezbollah, on the other hand, has kept up its rocket fire, leading to air raid sirens across northern Israel. The conflict has displaced thousands of people on both sides and caused significant civilian casualties. The Israeli military confirmed clashes with Hezbollah forces and the destruction of rocket launchers in southern Lebanon.
The ceasefire agreement is a crucial development in the region, aimed at reducing the likelihood of further conflict between Israel and Iran, which support Hezbollah and Hamas, respectively. While the agreement offers hope for peace, the implementation remains uncertain, with concerns about potential violations by either party.
The United States played a significant role in brokering the ceasefire, with President Joe Biden expressing optimism about the deal. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accepted the proposal, but challenges lie ahead in ensuring compliance and preventing further escalation of violence. The situation in the Middle East remains fragile, with underlying tensions that could reignite hostilities if not addressed effectively.
