US-Brokered Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon Announced
US President Joe Biden has announced a 60-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This is a significant step toward ending the year-long conflict between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah.
The conflict escalated after the attack of Hamas attacks on Gaza in October 2023, and it has resulted in heavy casualties—about 3,700 Lebanese killed by Israeli bombings and 130 Israeli lives lost to Hezbollah reprisals.
The agreement includes several important steps:
- Israel will fully withdraw its military from Lebanon by January 26, 2025.
- Areas controlled by Hezbollah will now be handed over to the Lebanese armed forces.
- Hezbollah’s power has been significantly reduced, with much of its leadership gone and its rocket arsenal destroyed.
This ceasefire supports the U.S. strategy of promoting peace and diplomacy in the Middle East. It also lets Israel focus its military efforts on Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, possibly changing the situation for Palestinians.
However, the success of this agreement depends on bigger challenges in the region, like the strengthening ties between Iran, Russia, and China.