Thousands Of Lebanese Rush To South As Ceasefire With Israel Enters Into Effect (Videos)

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon came into effect at 4:00 a.m. local time on November 27, bringing an end to almost 14 months of fighting which began the day after the war broke out in the Gaza Strip.

The ceasefire was announced late on November 26 by United States President Joe Biden, who said that the agreement was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities” between Israel and Lebanon.

The agreement will reportedly provide for a 60-day transition period. During this period, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese Armed Forces will deploy some 5,000 troops south of the Litani river, including at 33 posts along the border with Israel.

Hezbollah forces are supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon during the period. The military infrastructure of the group is also supposed to be dismantled.

In addition, Hebrew media reported that the U.S. had provided a side letter specifying Israel’s rights to respond to violations of the ceasefire, should there be any.

Israel’s national security cabinet officially approved the ceasefire agreement by a majority of ten ministers to one before it was announced by Biden.

Hezbollah also announced that it accepts the ceasefire proposal. However, a senior official with the group said that it had yet to see the agreement in its final form.