Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following negotiations in Washington, according to a joint statement issued by the United States on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward ending months of cross-border hostilities.
The agreement is contingent on a complete cessation of fire by the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and the withdrawal of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector, the statement said. The two sides had previously agreed to a ceasefire last month, but fighting continued despite the arrangement.
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The conflict intensified after Israel launched a military operation in Lebanon in March targeting Hezbollah, which had been firing across the border in support of Iran amid the broader regional confrontation.
Iran had maintained that it would not support any agreement to end the conflict involving the United States and Israel unless a ceasefire also covered Lebanon, making the latest breakthrough a key component of wider diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
As part of the agreement, Israel and Lebanon also committed to pursuing further direct negotiations aimed at building confidence and addressing outstanding disputes. The talks are expected to focus on long-term security arrangements and measures to prevent a renewed escalation along the border.
The ceasefire agreement represents the most significant diplomatic progress between the two sides in recent months and raises hopes for greater regional stability after weeks of sustained conflict.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
