Kochi: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to halt the 13 months of hostilities between them after the US and others brokered an agreement on Wednesday. The hostilities turned into a full fledged war in September, media reports said.
US President Joe Biden announced the cease fire between the two for 60 days. It “is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities”, media reports quoting White House sources said.
A joint statement by President Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron said “The ceasefire agreement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”
The Hezbollah militant group is expected to retreat around 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border during the 60 days. The Israeli military is expected to withdraw completely from Lebanese territory.
The United Nations peacekeeping troops, the Lebanese army and a multinational committee will supervise the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Iran has welcomed the deal, the reports said.
Israel, Lebanon ink ceasefire
