A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has come into effect, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities and offering hope for de-escalation in the region.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the armed group based in Lebanon, took effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, following mediation by the US and France. Initially, there were no reports of any violations.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee informed reporters that Israeli forces will continue to be stationed in southern Lebanon for now. He cautioned Israelis who evacuated border towns because of Hezbollah rocket attacks that it is still unsafe to return.
In October 2023, hostilities broke out between Hezbollah and the IDF when the pro-Palestinian group started launching rockets and mortar shells across the border. At that time, Hezbollah stated it would continue its actions until Israel ceased its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
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In early October, Israel launched an invasion of southern Lebanon and intensified airstrikes on Beirut and other cities. These actions resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Hezbollah members, including Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s longtime leader.
According to officials from both sides, over 60 individuals in Israel have lost their lives due to Hezbollah attacks, while Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since October 2023 have resulted in more than 3,500 fatalities. Additionally, approximately 70,000 people in Israel and about 1.2 million people in Lebanon have been displaced.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire on Tuesday, stating that Israel would “gradually withdraw its remaining forces” from Lebanon over the next 60 days.
“He stated that the Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon will not be permitted to be rebuilt.” Biden mentioned that the truce is meant to remain permanent.
