Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire agreement to halt 14 months of fighting triggered by the Gaza war. The truce, which starts at 4 a.m. Wednesday, is the first significant move to reduce the widespread unrest ignited by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. While the deal focuses on Lebanon, the war in Gaza remains unresolved.
Just hours before the ceasefire, Israel conducted its heaviest airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing at least 42 people. The strikes included warnings for mass evacuations, leading to chaotic scenes as residents fled under the constant buzz of Israeli drones.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the conditional nature of the truce, warning of swift retaliation for any violations. The deal requires Hezbollah to withdraw armed forces north of the Litani River, with international peacekeepers and Lebanese troops monitoring compliance.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the agreement, though Hezbollah expressed reservations about Israeli demands for operational freedom. The ceasefire is expected to reduce the risk of direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, which supports Hezbollah and Hamas.
The conflict has caused significant casualties and displacement on both sides. Over 3,700 deaths and 1.2 million displacements have been reported in Lebanon, while Hezbollah attacks have killed 75 Israelis, mostly civilians. The truce provides temporary relief but leaves unresolved tensions and humanitarian challenges in the region.
