Lebanon: A historic ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah officially came into effect at 7:30 AM IST today, marking a potential turning point in the 14-month-long conflict that has claimed thousands of lives. The agreement, brokered with significant U.S. involvement, follows months of intense fighting and comes after the heaviest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut since the escalation in late September, including unprecedented attacks in the city center.
By 10:30 AM IST, no violations of the ceasefire had been reported, with only celebratory gunfire heard in Beirut’s southern suburbs. However, despite warnings from the Israeli military about civilian movement, many displaced residents attempted to return to their homes, leading to heavy traffic on Lebanese roads leading south.
The ceasefire is based on UN Resolution 1701, which calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters north of the Litani River, approximately 18 miles from the Israel-Lebanon border, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The Lebanese army has expressed readiness to deploy across the south but has advised residents to delay their return until Israeli troops have fully withdrawn. Currently, Israeli forces remain stationed about four miles inside Lebanese territory.
Following the approval of the ceasefire by Israel’s security cabinet, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a 60-day plan for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, with the Lebanese army gradually taking control of the border areas. A key objective of the plan is to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its military presence in southern Lebanon.