• By Nidhi Giri
  • Wed, 27 Nov 2024 01:55 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon that which came into force today. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, mentioning that it has “always called for de-escalation, restraint, and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy". This ceasefire agreement was initiated following an announcement made for peace in the Middle East. However, the fighting in Gaza will continue, as Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian Hamas group in Gaza. 

“We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region," the full statement read.

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What The Ceasefire Means:

1. The Israeli Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States and France with a 10-1 vote yesterday evening. US President Joe Biden announced the "good news," stating that the ceasefire would take effect at 4 AM (7:30 AM Indian Standard Time) and described it as a new beginning for Lebanon.

2. Hezbollah, the only armed group that refused to hand over its weapons after the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, was not present during the ceasefire talks. Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri participated in the talks on behalf of Hezbollah.

3. An official stated that there would be no firing from either side during the ceasefire. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond strongly to any violations by Hezbollah.

4. The official further stated that the ceasefire would allow them to focus on Gaza and the "Iranian threat," giving the Israeli army time to resupply. Netanyahu said, "Once Hezbollah is out of the picture, Hamas will be left to fight alone. Our pressure on them will increase."

5. The Prime Minister said, "We will complete the task of eliminating Hamas, we will bring all our hostages home, we will ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and we will ensure that the residents of the north can safely return to their homes."

6. An official said that as part of the ceasefire, the Lebanese forces will begin their deployment to the south over the next 60 days, which will lead to Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Under the agreement, Hezbollah is also required to withdraw from the southern border and move towards the Litani River.

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7. The announcement of the ceasefire came after the heaviest Israeli airstrikes in Beirut since September. Even on Wednesday morning, less than an hour before the ceasefire began, airstrikes were carried out in southern Beirut, nearly two hours after the Israeli military issued evacuation orders.

8. The Middle East is engulfed in war, with Israel battling Hamas in Gaza and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Tensions have also flared between Israel and Iran over their support for these groups.

9. Netanyahu said that the ceasefire was intended to permanently halt the hostilities in Gaza, with the United States and its allies committed to providing full support to ensure the agreement is properly enforced.

10. A US official said that the Lebanon ceasefire could prove to be a crucial step towards ensuring the end of hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of hostages.