Smoke billows over Beirut’s southern suburbs, after an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Baabda, Lebanon, November 26, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir 

Israel and Lebanon Agree to Ceasefire Amidst Intense Fighting

Agreement Reached to End Conflict

Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Lebanon, according to Israel’s Channel 12 television on Tuesday. The truce is set to take effect on Wednesday and aims to halt the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has claimed thousands of lives since erupting alongside the Gaza war last year.

The deal followed a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to deliberate on the terms. Once approved, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to announce the ceasefire, as reported by four senior Lebanese sources speaking to Reuters.

Escalation Ahead of the Truce

Despite the diplomatic progress, hostilities continued with Israel intensifying airstrikes across Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. In a two-minute assault, Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit 20 targets, killing seven people and injuring 37, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Civilians were urged to evacuate 20 locations as Israel conducted what it termed a “widespread attack” on Hezbollah positions.

Terms of the Ceasefire

The agreement mandates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army deploying at least 5,000 troops in their place. Hezbollah is required to end its armed presence south of the Litani River. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib noted that the U.S. might assist in rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

Israeli Conditions for Compliance

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the country demands strict U.N. enforcement of the ceasefire terms and will adopt a “zero tolerance” policy toward violations.

Recent Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns

The U.N. has expressed alarm over the growing death toll in Lebanon, with nearly 100 fatalities reported in recent days, including women, children, and medics. Lebanese authorities state that over 3,750 people have died and over one million have been displaced since the conflict began, though these figures include both civilians and combatants.

In Israel, Hezbollah rocket attacks have killed 45 civilians and injured many in northern areas and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Additionally, 73 Israeli soldiers have died in clashes in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah Losses and Regional Impact

Israel’s offensive has significantly weakened Hezbollah, reportedly killing its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and several senior commanders. The conflict has left extensive destruction in its wake, complicating efforts to restore stability and rebuild.

As the ceasefire takes effect, attention shifts to whether the truce in Lebanon will influence developments in Gaza, where Israel continues its fight against Hamas.