US President Joe Biden praised the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah as “good news” in a recent speech, calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities. The deal aims to achieve a 60-day pause in hostilities in Lebanon, with the Lebanese army taking control of their territory and Israel gradually withdrawing its forces. The US will work with France to support the implementation of the agreement.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the deal as a “new page” for Lebanon, emphasizing the need for respect for the ceasefire to restore security and sovereignty. Other world leaders, including Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, expressed their support for the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire, the deal does not address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Biden expressed hope that the agreement with Hezbollah would lead to a resolution with Hamas. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to reach historic deals with Saudi Arabia that include economic assurances, a Palestinian state, and full normalization of relations with Israel.
The announcement of the ceasefire came shortly before an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The US remains committed to securing the release of hostages as a crucial component of any agreement. President Biden has vetoed UN resolutions on Gaza ceasefire in the past, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach toward peace in the region.
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