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An Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire: Here’s What We Know

Online Niel November 28, 2024

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brokered by the US and France came into effect in Lebanon early Wednesday, raising hopes of ending more than a year of cross-border strikes and a full-scale war that has killed thousands.

The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. local time (9 p.m. ET) after it was approved by Israel’s security cabinet and then announced by President Joe Biden. It seemed to hold for the first few hours after it went into effect.

The war between Israel and Hezbollah was started by war in Gazawhere Israel launched a military offensive to eliminate Hezbollah’s ally Hamas – both backed by Iran – after the latter attacked Israel on October 7 last year. Here’s what we know about the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement and the implications for the Middle East region.

What are the terms of the ceasefire?

It is intended to be permanent. However, the agreement stipulates a 60-day pause in hostilities to allow Lebanon’s Hezbollah fighters to withdraw from the so-called Blue Line, an unofficial Israel-Lebanon border area that runs parallel to the Litani River. Over the next two months, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

Who will monitor the implementation of the agreement?

the US and France, although the agreement largely mirrors an existing United Nations Security Council resolution – 1701 – which ended a war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. Under 1701, only the government of Lebanon and UN peacekeepers, known as UNIFIL, have permission to keep forces and weapons south of the Litani River.

US and French diplomats and mediators will work with the Lebanese army and UNIFIL to deter potential ceasefire violations, but neither US nor French combat forces will be deployed to the area.

What does the ceasefire mean for the war in Gaza?

The deal does not directly address the Gaza war that erupted after Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and the abduction of dozens back to Palestinian territory. Israel killed more than 45,000 people in Gazaaccording to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.

Hezbollah has previously insisted it would stop attacks on Israel only if Israel agreed to end fighting in Gaza. The cease-fire may, however, if maintained, assist in the push, some reports have suggestedHamas to seek a truce. The the White House said plans to begin a renewed push for a cease-fire in Gaza in the coming days.

What does the ceasefire mean for civilians?

Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire

Hezbollah in Israel and Lebanon have reached a cease-fire agreement brokered by the United States and France.

Civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict, with many killed or injured and more than a million people displaced from their homes in Lebanon and Israel. Lebanese media reported that people were returning to their homes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, despite warnings from the Israeli army not to do so.

In Israel, some residents who over the past year have fled northern communities amid Hezbollah bombings and rocket attacks have doubted whether the ceasefire will lead to lasting peace.

“Despite the difficulties in my personal life, I would prefer that we continue to fight and agree to a ceasefire only when we are really in control,” said Miro Vahknin, from the coastal city of Nahariya. The Times of Israel.