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US President Joe Biden confirmed that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah would take effect at 4 a.m., marking the end of more than 14 months of tensions and two months of a devastating all-out war in Lebanon . This agreement, described by Biden as “a new step for Lebanon”, was greeted with a mixture of relief and skepticism both locally and internationally.
This announcement comes after the Israeli security cabinet approved the text of the agreement proposed by the United States, with the support of France. Of the eleven ministers present, ten voted in favor of the agreement, with only one opposing it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a strategic opportunity, while reiterating that his country reserved the right to act if Hezbollah violated the terms of the ceasefire.
The terms of the agreement: withdrawal and redeployment
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, where they had advanced to the Litani River after weeks of fighting. For its part, Hezbollah will be forced to reposition its fighters north of this river. This area, located approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border, will be controlled by the Lebanese army, supported by UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon).
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed that this agreement aims to establish a “permanent cessation of hostilities”. However, Israel insisted on retaining the right to carry out strikes if Hezbollah violated the terms. This provision was rejected by the Lebanese government, which considers that it represents an attack on national sovereignty.
Local reactions: between caution and relief
In Lebanon, the agreement was welcomed by interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who described the ceasefire as “fundamental to restoring stability”. Mikati announced that the government would strengthen the presence of the Lebanese army in the south, planning to deploy 5,000 soldiers to provide security and control the border.
However, dissenting voices were also heard. Mahmoud Qamati, a senior Hezbollah official, said the group accepted the terms of the deal but remained vigilant against any attack on Lebanese sovereignty. “We want to put an end to the aggression, but not to the detriment of the dignity of Lebanon,” he said.
A deadly day before the ceasefire comes into force
Before the official announcement of the ceasefire, Israel intensified its bombings on Beirut and its southern suburbs, described as Hezbollah strongholds. Three strikes hit the Nweiri neighborhood, destroying a four-story building housing displaced people. According to the Ministry of Health, seven people were killed and thirty-seven injured in these attacks.
The Hamra shopping district was also targeted, marking one of the few times this area, located in the heart of the capital, has been struck since the start of the conflict. The “ring of fire” created by the strikes around Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Burj al-Barajneh and Haret Hreik, was described by local media as an attempted last assault before the ceasefire takes effect. -fire.
International dimensions: increased pressure on Israel and Hezbollah
The ceasefire was achieved through intense mediation by the United States and France, with support from the United Nations and the European Union. The international community, notably the G7, has increased calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, describing the situation as a “major threat to regional stability”.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a joint statement with Biden, said the agreement marked a crucial step towards lasting peace in Lebanon. “We are committed to ensuring that the agreement will be fully implemented, while respecting Lebanese sovereignty,” he said.
Israel divided over ceasefire
In Israel, the announcement of the ceasefire sparked mixed reactions. While the majority of the security cabinet approved the agreement, some far-right ministers, including Itamar Ben Gvir, expressed opposition, saying the agreement represented a “missed opportunity to completely eradicate Hezbollah.”
Opinion polls also reveal a divided population. According to a Channel 12 poll, 37% of Israelis support the ceasefire, while 32% oppose it and 31% remain undecided. Protests broke out in Tel Aviv, where residents of the north of the country, forced to leave their homes during the hostilities, expressed fears of a premature return to areas near the border.
An overwhelming human and material toll
Since the start of clashes in October 2023, Lebanon has recorded 3,823 deaths and 15,859 injured, according to figures from the Ministry of Public Health. Israel, for its part, deplores 82 soldiers killed and 47 civilians dead. The economic and material losses are equally considerable, with infrastructure destroyed throughout southern Lebanon and neighborhoods of Beirut.
Israeli strikes also targeted buildings allegedly linked to Hezbollah finances, including subsidiaries of Qard al-Hassan, heightening local and international tensions.
Outlook and uncertainties
As the agreement comes into force, many questions remain unanswered. The ability of the Lebanese government to guarantee effective control of the border and to disarm the armed factions raises doubts. Moreover, the condition imposed by Israel to be able to intervene in the event of a violation could complicate the implementation of a lasting peace.
Lebanon, already weakened by an unprecedented economic crisis, will also have to take up the challenge of rebuilding devastated areas, a task made difficult by a chronic lack of resources and international investment.
This ceasefire, although hailed as progress, is only one step in a complex process of stabilizing and resolving the deep tensions that continue to shake the region.
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