U.S. President Joe Biden announces that Israel and Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire agreement, marking a step toward easing tensions in the Middle East conflict.
President Biden has just stepped up to the podium in the Rose Garden at the White House. He began by announcing that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire deal, facilitated with assistance from the United States.
Once it takes effect, Biden stated: “The fighting will cease. It will come to an end. This is intended to be a lasting cessation of hostilities.”
He repeated that civilians from both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities.
He stated that the United States, along with France and its allies, has committed to collaborating with Israel and Lebanon to ensure its “full” implementation. He also stressed that no US troops would participate.
Regarding Gaza, he mentioned that the people there equally deserve a cessation of hostilities.
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The residents of Gaza have experienced unimaginable suffering, leaving their lives in ruins.
Biden stated that his administration will persist in advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza as well.
Biden announces that a ceasefire will start at 02:00 GMT, published at 12:49.
Biden announced that his team has worked together with Israel and Lebanon to implement a ceasefire, which will end the conflict starting at 02:00 GMT (04:00 local time) early Wednesday.
He mentions that Israel will progressively withdraw its remaining forces over the next 60 days.
President Biden stated that civilians from both sides will soon have the opportunity to safely return to their communities and start rebuilding their lives.
He further stated that if Hezbollah violates the agreement, Israel is entitled to defend itself under international law.
Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has reached a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Israeli prime minister asserts that Hezbollah has been “set back decades” following the elimination of several senior commanders by Israel.
Earlier, Israel conducted extensive air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut following its military’s issuance of evacuation orders for the area.
Nearly two months ago, Israeli troops launched a ground invasion of Lebanon in retaliation to nearly a year of rocket attacks by Hezbollah.
A ceasefire in Lebanon would not have a direct impact on Israel’s conflict in Gaza.
