Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire enters into effect
BEIRUT / TEL AVIV — After prolonged negotiations under international mediation, Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement that came into effect at dawn on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the security cabinet had approved the ceasefire, emphasizing that Israel reserves the right to respond forcefully to any violations by Hezbollah. Netanyahu stated that Israel had significantly weakened Hezbollah, setting it back decades and eliminating much of its military capabilities.
In the hours leading up to the ceasefire, Israel conducted its most intense strikes yet on Beirut and its southern suburbs, resulting in the deaths of approximately 24 people. The Israeli government described the attacks as a preemptive move to weaken Hezbollah’s positions before the ceasefire took effect.
The ceasefire marks a critical step toward ending the conflict that erupted on 7 October of last year. Observers view the agreement as a pivotal development for the region, offering a glimmer of hope for stability and the potential for broader peace efforts.
Political parties in North and East Syria celebrate fall of Assad regime, call for end of hostilities in northeast and national democratic transition
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