Beirut: A new cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel was enacted early Wednesday, bringing an end to over 14 months of intense fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group. This decision marks a significant step towards peace in a region that has been fraught with conflict for over a year.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Lebanese Cabinet has confirmed its full commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, a pivotal element of the 13-item cease-fire document. Adopted on August 11, 2006, Resolution 1701 mandates a complete cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and the establishment of a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River in southern Lebanon. This zone will exclude only the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL).
The cease-fire followed an announcement by US President Joe Biden, who revealed that a proposal to end the conflict had been reached. This development has generated hope that the agreement will halt Isra
eli airstrikes on Lebanese towns and cities, providing relief to the region’s inhabitants who have suffered from the prolonged cross-border fighting. Since last October, more than 3,800 people have been killed in the violence, and over 1 million have been displaced, as reported by Lebanese health authorities.
The cease-fire agreement, which includes 13 specific commitments, outlines that both Israel and Lebanon will cease hostilities from 04:00 hours (IST/EET) on November 27, 2024. The Government of Lebanon will prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups within its territory from initiating operations against Israel, while Israel will refrain from conducting offensive military actions against Lebanese targets.
The agreement reaffirms the importance of UNSCR 1701 in achieving lasting peace and security and stipulates that both nations can exercise their right to self-defense in accordance with international law. It also details measures for controlling arms and related materiel within Lebanon, ensuring that on
ly official military and security forces operate in the Southern Litani Area.
Furthermore, the United States and France have expressed their intention to work through the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon to facilitate the deployment of 10,000 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers to southern Lebanon. They also plan to collaborate with the international community to bolster the LAF’s capabilities.
In addition, the agreement calls for the reformulation and enhancement of the tripartite mechanism, involving Israel, Lebanon, and the United States, with the inclusion of France. This mechanism will be hosted by UNIFIL and aims to monitor and assist in enforcing the commitments outlined in the cease-fire deal.
The document also outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces south of the Blue Line, concurrent with the deployment of the LAF in the Southern Litani Area, to be completed within 60 days. Israel and Lebanon have requested the assistance of the United States and the United Nations in facilitating
indirect negotiations to resolve remaining disputes along the Blue Line, aligning with UNSCR 1701.
These measures are intended to ensure the safe return of civilians to their homes and lands on both sides of the Blue Line. The United States and France have committed to leading international efforts aimed at supporting capacity-building and promoting economic development throughout Lebanon, thereby fostering stability and prosperity in the region.