Biden outlined his intention to cooperate with these partners to bring about an end to the war in Gaza, secure the release of captives held by Hamas, and ensure that Hamas relinquishes power.
Egypt, Qatar, and the US have spearheaded mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas since the war began on October 7, 2023.
(November 26, 2024)
Once the initiative is ‘successfully’ implemented in the Strip, it can be replicated in the West Bank, far-right minister claims, adding that ‘occupying Gaza is not a dirty word’
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly called for the permanent military occupation of Gaza in order to depopulate the enclave of Palestinians. Smotrich also called for the same to happen in Lebanon and the West Bank, in what many critics are saying is a direct call for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and Arabs.
The health ministry in Gaza said Wednesday that at least 44,282 people have been killed in more than 13 months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants.
The toll includes 33 deaths in the previous 24 hours, according to the ministry, which said 104,880 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began on October 7, 2023.
In this context, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian has arrived for his sixth visit to Beirut since the presidential vacancy began. His discussions will include meetings with Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, several members of parliament, and ambassadors from the Quintet committee.
According to LBCI sources, Le Drian is not expected to present any new proposals but will urge Lebanese officials to elect a president as soon as possible. Paris believes that a presidential election would send a strong message that Lebanon is working to rebuild its constitutional institutions.
Lebanese MP Hassan Fadlallah has said that Hezbollah is cooperating with the Lebanese state over bolstering the army‘s presence in the south, saying that the group has „no visible weapons or bases,“ AFP news agency is reporting.
According to the ceasefire agreement between the group and Israel which was implemented this morning, the Lebanese army can be the only armed presence in southern Lebanon.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is encouraged that a ceasefire has been agreed that would end the fighting and help bring some hope and stability to a region exhausted by conflict.
The ceasefire must be upheld and enforced across all levels of command to ensure much-needed respite for civilians on both sides of the border. It must also facilitate the rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid for civilians wherever they are.
Traffic jams built up on the main highway out of Beirut to southern Lebanon as people queued up to return home.
A view of Beirut‘s southern suburbs and its surroundings, with smoke rising from Israeli strikes that occurred before the ceasefire
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that the agreement “can put an end to the violence, destruction and suffering the people of both countries have been experiencing.”
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to fully respect and swiftly implement all of their commitments made under this agreement,” the statement noted.
He also urged the parties to undertake immediate steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
“The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) both stand ready to support the implementation of this agreement, in line with their respective mandates,” the statement added.
Announcement of a Cessation of Hostilities and Related Commitments on Enhanced Security Arrangements and Towards the Implementation of UNSCR 1701
After discussions with the governments of the republic of Lebanon (hereinafter „Lebanon“) and the state of Israel (hereinafter „Israel“), the United States of America and France understand that Lebanon and Israel seek a sustainable end to the current escalation of hostilities across the Blue Line and are each prepared to take steps to promote conditions for a permanent and comprehensive solution. These understandings reflect steps to which Israel and Lebanon are committed in order to implement fully UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, recognising that UNSCR 1701 also calls for full implementation of its predecessor UNSC resolutions, including „disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon“, so that the only forces authorised to carry arms in Lebanon will be the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces, Directorate of General Security, General Directorate of State Security, Lebanese Customs and Municipal Police (hereinafter “Lebanon‘s official military and security forces“). To that end, the US and France understand the following…