Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged Israel to fully commit to the newly established ceasefire and withdraw from all occupied areas, following a U.S. and French-brokered agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire took effect at 0200 (GMT) and aims to end the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since the Gaza war started last year.
According to the Leaders Asia sources, the agreement stipulates that only Lebanon’s official military and security forces including the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, are authorized personnel to carry arms. Both sizes have agreed and pledged to adhere to the UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. Lebanon’s military has started to move towards the south to ensure that the ceasefire holds, and has requested the displaced residents to delay their return until the Israeli forces have completely withdrawn from the area. As a result of this, numerous families were seen carrying Hezbollah flags and returning to the ruins of their residences in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs.
While expressing support for Lebanon’s agreement, Hamas emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official stated the groups willingness to cooperate and blamed the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stall the effort for ending the Gaza conflict.
Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged support for establishing the peace and U.S. president Joe Biden described the ceasefire as a significant step towards stability. Biden stated that Israel would withdraw gradually over 60 days as Lebanon’s army assumes control of the region to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure.
Gunfire was reported to echo across Beirut after the ceasefire took effect, as the Leaders Asia sources suggest it to be celebratory shootings. However; warnings from Israeli’s military urged the civilians to avoid border areas until further notice.
This ceasefire is a diplomatic achievement of the Biden’s administration in the final days, this demonstrate international cooperation amidst regional tensions. It is essential to note that continued efforts are needed to secure peace in Gaza and address underlying conflicts in the region.
