Ceasefire Brings Temporary Halt to Israeli Attacks on Lebanon After 14-Month War

IQNA – A ceasefire between the Israeli regime and Lebanon has taken effect, marking a pause in over a year of Israeli aggression against the south of the Arab country, which claimed lives of thousands of civilians.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah came into effect at 4 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, raising hopes for an end to more than 14 months of devastating conflict.

The announcement of the agreement came late Tuesday, with United States President Joe Biden describing it as a "permanent cessation of hostilities." Speaking on the accord, Biden said, "Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes, their schools, their farms, their businesses, and their very lives." 

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the agreement, which was mediated by Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri on behalf of Hezbollah. Hezbollah itself has yet to issue an official statement.

As part of the deal, the Israeli regime will begin a gradual withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days, with Lebanese state security forces set to take control of the area.

A joint statement from Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged international support to ensure the ceasefire’s implementation and to strengthen Lebanon’s armed forces. The statement also highlighted efforts to promote economic development in Lebanon to foster regional stability. 

The war began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched operations against the occupying entity in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Tensions escalated in early October when Israel expanded its military operations, including a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The fighting has resulted in at least 3,768 deaths and 15,699 injuries in Lebanon, according to the country’s Ministry of Public Health. 

Hours before the ceasefire took effect, intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs. According to Lebanon’s official news agency, one attack destroyed a four-story building in the Nweiri area, killing seven people and wounding 37 others. On Monday alone, Israeli strikes reportedly killed 31 people, primarily in southern Lebanon. 

Israel's military objectives during the conflict included the eradication of Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon and the resettlement of civilians in northern occupied territories. However, the ceasefire has drawn criticism from some Israeli officials. Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the truce does not ensure the safe return of northern settlers. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government’s handling of the war, saying, “The northern towns are destroyed, the lives of the residents have collapsed, and the army is exhausted.” 

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said the Lebanese Army is prepared to deploy at least 5,000 troops in the south as Israeli forces withdraw.

Source: Agencies