A view of the damage to buildings, structures and vehicles following Israel's airstrike on the Mar Elias area in central Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, November 26, 2024. /CFP
Israel's security cabinet approved on Tuesday night a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, which was expected to take effect on Wednesday at 4 a.m. in Israel and Lebanon. The deal has won a lot of international support while prompting calls for a solution to Gaza crisis.
In a recorded video speech earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the ceasefire decision to three reasons: focus shifted to threats from Iran, the need for 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 said.
The terms
The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon.
Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides.
Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal.
Global reactions
In a statement released by the Lebanese Council of Ministers, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire decision, saying it is a "fundamental step towards establishing calm and stability in Lebanon and returning the displaced to their homes and cities." He added it also "helps establish regional stability."
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that the ceasefire deal is "designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed."
Israel, Biden said, "retains the right to self defense" in the event that "Hezbollah or anyone else" breaks the newly announced deal.
The United Nations welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which marks the starting point of a critical process, anchors in the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), to restore the safety and security that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line deserve, said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, in a statement on Tuesday.
"Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today's achievement," Hennis-Plasschaert said.
Tents occupied by displaced Palestinians are seen at the beach in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, November 26, 2024. /CFP
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven countries said in a statement that they support the ceasefire and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, while calling on Israel to comply with its obligations under the international law when they gathered in Italy on Tuesday.
The ministers expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They called on the Israeli government to ease obstacles on humanitarian aid to civilians in areas rocked by conflicts.
Solutions to Gaza crisis urged
Though the ceasefire deal could significantly calm the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier conflict that has ravaged Gaza since last October.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday that the only way to end the ongoing escalation in the region is to solve the Palestinian issue in his speech to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29.
In his speech, Abbas stressed the need for the international community to take decisive and substantial actions to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that aligns with the international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.
At a UN special meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, delivered Guterres' message that it is past time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages.
"This year's commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been."
"The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity," the UN chief said.
