International Cheers as Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire 🎉
In a major move towards peace, Israel's security cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah on Tuesday night, bringing a sigh of relief to many around the world. The ceasefire is set to take effect at 4 a.m. on Wednesday in both Israel and Lebanon. 🌟
The deal has been met with widespread international support and has sparked calls for a resolution to the ongoing Gaza crisis. 📣
Netanyahu's Three Reasons 📋
In a video message earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained the decision to agree to the ceasefire. He highlighted three key reasons:
- Shifting focus to threats from Iran 🇮🇷
- The need to refresh forces and replenish weapons ⚔️
- 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.
What's in the Deal? 🤝
The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting. During this period, Israeli troops will withdraw to their side of the border, and Hezbollah is required to end its armed presence in a vast area of southern Lebanon.
Under the deal:
- Thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers will deploy south of the Litani River. 🕊️
- An international panel led by the U.S. will monitor compliance. 🌐
While Israel has demanded the right to act if Hezbollah violates the agreement, Lebanese officials have pushed back against including that clause.
Global Reactions 🌍
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a \"fundamental step towards establishing calm and stability in Lebanon and returning the displaced to their homes and cities.\" He added that it \"helps establish regional stability.\"
U.S. President Joe Biden chimed in, stating 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.\" He emphasized that Israel \"retains the right to self-defense\" if \"Hezbollah or anyone else\" breaks the newly announced deal.
The United Nations also expressed support. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, said the ceasefire marks \"the starting point of a critical process\" to restore safety and security on both sides of the Blue Line. \"Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today's achievement,\" she urged.
The Road Ahead 🚀
As the ceasefire takes effect, many are hopeful for lasting peace and stability in the region. 🌈 The international community is watching closely, with fingers crossed for a positive outcome that could lead to broader solutions, including the Gaza crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! 📰
Reference(s):
Intl community lauds Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, urges Gaza solution
cgtn.com
