Israel issued evacuation orders for parts of Beirut just four hours before the ceasefire took effect, conducting airstrikes approximately an hour prior. In the lead-up to the ceasefire, Hezbollah launched drones into Israeli territory.
As the ceasefire commenced, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) cautioned residents in southern Lebanon against approaching evacuated villages or IDF positions in the area. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic spokesman, stated on X that the IDF would notify residents when it was safe to return home.
Despite these warnings, reporters from Reuters observed numerous vehicles heading south shortly after the ceasefire began, many filled with personal belongings.
The fighting had persisted for nearly a year, escalating in late September when Israel intensified its bombardments and initiated a limited ground invasion against Hezbollah. This conflict has been Lebanon's deadliest in decades, resulting in over 3,823 fatalities, according to local officials.
Under the deal announced on Tuesday and facilitated by the US, Israel will gradually withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon over a period of 60 days. Concurrently, Hezbollah fighters and their weapons will be removed from the area south of the Litani River, a boundary established after the previous Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006, with Lebanese government forces taking their place.
A joint statement from the US and France emphasized that this agreement aims to create conditions for lasting peace and allow residents of both nations to return safely to their homes. Both countries will also participate in an existing mechanism to enforce the UN resolution established at the end of the 2006 conflict.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed his support for the ceasefire, calling it a "fundamental step towards restoring calm and stability" in Lebanon and facilitating the return of citizens. However, he also urged Israel to fully comply with the agreement, withdraw from occupied sites, and respect the UN resolution.
Post a Comment