Israel accepts ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon

Truce will bring to an end more than a year of fierce fighting

- BEL TREW

Israel and Lebanese-militant group Hezbollah have agreed to a US-backed ceasefire, marking a major breakthrough in the devastating conflict that has gripped the Middle East.

For more than a year, near-daily rocket fire, ferocious airstrikes, and on-the-ground battles between Israeli forces and the militant group have claimed the lives of thousands of people, nearly all in Lebanon.

In the tense hours leading to the truce intense Israeli airstrikes continued to pound the Lebanese capital Beirut where the Israeli military issued a record number of evacuation orders. Rocket sirens blared in northern Israel.

US president Joe Biden, who brokered the deal and spoke both to Israel and Lebanon’s leaders shortly after it was announced, said the ceasefire was designed to be permanent.

Under the terms of the agreement, this fighting would end at 4am local time (0200 GMT) he said.

Israel will then gradually withdraw its forces over a period of 60 days with the Lebanese army then set to control territory near its border to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there, he added. “Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities,” Mr Biden said.

"This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities," Mr Biden said. "What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed – I emphasise, will not be allowed – to threaten the security of Israel again."

The US is expected to lead a five-country monitoring committee to enforce the truce, while the UN peacekeeping force in the south of Lebanon (Unifil) would be reinforced.

“Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others, to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza with a hostage release,” Mr Biden added.