New Delhi: India has welcomed the ceasefire that began on Wednesday (November 27) between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which could potentially end the fighting that began 14 months earlier.
The ceasefire began at 4 am on Wednesday, following Israel’s most intense day of airstrikes in Beirut, which claimed over 42 lives.
“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 external affairs ministry said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Under the ceasefire’s terms, there will be no hostilities for an initial 60-day period during which Israel will withdraw from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah is also required to move its weapons and forces at least 30 kilometres behind the Litani River.
The Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, are tasked with filling the void.
The ceasefire will be overseen by several countries led by the US.
However, Israel retains the right to act if it identifies an imminent threat.
The truce conditions are largely based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which had been the basis of the 2006 agreement to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
The implementation once again hinges on the reinforcement of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL, both of which have previously been ineffective due to stakeholders disregarding their authority.
While the truce, if maintained, is expected to lower the chances of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, it is not seen as a step toward resolving the war in Gaza.
US President Joe Biden shared the “good news” of the ceasefire in Washington on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to France for its assistance.
The announcement came after Israel’s security cabinet approved the US and France-brokered agreement.
The outgoing US president also stated that further efforts would be made involving Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the release of the hostages taken by Hamas during its attack in Israel last year and bring an end to the war without Hamas remaining in power.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unlikely to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza soon, as he may choose to wait for Donald Trump’s second presidency, given Trump’s promise to bring an end to the violence.
