The international community has welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, marking a significant step towards regional stability. Approved by Israel's security cabinet on Tuesday night, the deal was set to take effect in the early hours of Wednesday in both Israel and Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the decision to three key factors: shifting focus to threats from Iran, the necessity of refreshing forces and replenishing weapons, and the isolation of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. \"With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the campaign. Our pressure on it will increase, and this will assist in achieving the goal of freeing our hostages,\" Netanyahu stated.
Terms of the Ceasefire
The agreement involves a 60-day halt in fighting, during which Israeli troops will withdraw to their side of the border. In return, Hezbollah is expected to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon. The deal also includes the deployment of thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers south of the Litani River, monitored by an international panel led by the U.S.
While Israel has insisted on retaining the right to act if Hezbollah violates the terms, Lebanese officials have resisted this inclusion in the proposal.
Global Reactions
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati hailed the ceasefire as a \"fundamental step towards establishing calm and stability in Lebanon and returning the displaced to their homes and cities,\" emphasizing its role in fostering regional stability.
U.S. President Joe Biden described the deal as \"designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,\" asserting that \"What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed.\" Biden affirmed that Israel \"retains the right to self-defense\" should the agreement be breached.
The United Nations also expressed support for the ceasefire, viewing it as the beginning of a critical process to implement resolution 1701 (2006) and restore safety and security for civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, according to UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.
\"Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today's achievement,\" Hennis-Plasschaert urged.
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Intl community lauds Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, urges Gaza solution
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