Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire brokered by US and France

27/11/2024 12:14

        A ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah took effect at 0200 GMT on Wednesday after U.S. President Joe Biden said both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France.
        
        The accord clears the way for an end to a conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border that has killed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza war last year.
        
        Biden spoke at the White House on Tuesday shortly after Israel's security cabinet approved the agreement in a 10-1 vote. He said he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and that fighting would end at 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT).
        
        Biden said, "This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again.”
        
        Biden said, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days as Lebanon's army takes control of territory near its border with Israel to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there.
        
        He said, "Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities."