Title: U.S. and France Mediate Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah After Year of Conflict in Lebanon

The long-standing hostilities between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group are on the verge of a significant resolution, potentially bringing an end to the devastating conflict that has claimed the lives of close to 3,800 individuals and injured around 16,000 others in Lebanon over the past year. This imminent ceasefire is poised to mark the conclusion of the deadliest war in Lebanon since the civil war concluded in 1990.

Ceasefire Announcement and Withdrawal Plan

According to a U.S. official, President Biden is expected to make an announcement indicating that the United States and France have successfully brokered a ceasefire in Lebanon, thereby halting the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposed agreement entails the immediate implementation of a full and permanent ceasefire, with a designated timeframe of 60 days for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. This gradual withdrawal aims to facilitate the mobilization of Lebanese forces to secure the area, with the trigger time set to take effect later on Tuesday. Subsequently, the first phase of the Israeli troop withdrawal is slated to commence within the next 10 days

Furthermore, as part of the accord, Hezbollah is expected to relocate its forces and heavy weaponry approximately 20 miles away from the Israeli border, specifically to the Litani River. An official in Netanyahu's office confirmed that the Israeli Prime Minister had convened the country's security cabinet to deliberate on the proposal, highlighting the necessity for cabinet approval before any ceasefire agreement can be formalized. Concurrently, Netanyahu engaged in discussions in Tel Aviv with various government ministers, lawmakers, and mayors from several northern towns that have remained evacuated for an extended period.

While the Lebanese government was also required to unilaterally approve the deal on Tuesday, it was anticipated to do so, according to the U.S. official. Additionally, it was indicated that Netanyahu would address the nation at 8 p.m. local time (1 p.m. Eastern) on Tuesday, with President Biden scheduled to deliver remarks regarding the agreement in Washington a few hours later. Furthermore, it is expected that Biden will acknowledge France's involvement in the implementation of the plan, despite their non-participation in the negotiations.

International Reaction and Implementation

The proposed ceasefire has garnered support from various quarters, including President-elect Donald Trump's team, which has been briefed on the plan and regards it favorably. Additionally, Iran has also been informed, recognizing the significance of Hezbollah as its proxy force in the region. It is noteworthy that Hezbollah, a potent military and political entity in Lebanon, has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and Israel. The group initiated its offensive by launching rockets into Israel on October 8, 2023, in solidarity with its allies, Hamas, who had instigated the Gaza conflict the previous day.

In response, Israel undertook airstrikes targeting purported Hezbollah positions for several months. However, in September, the Israeli government escalated its operations against the Iranian proxy group by not only increasing aerial bombardments but also launching ground offensives in southern Lebanon. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace, military exchanges continued, with Israel and Hezbollah engaging in some of their most intense confrontations to date. The situation on Israel's northern border remained volatile, with rockets being fired in both directions even as negotiations for a ceasefire were underway.

Under the proposed arrangement, Lebanese forces, in collaboration with United Nations peacekeepers, are expected to jointly patrol southern Lebanon to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. Earlier reports indicated that this region would be monitored by a multi-nation committee, incorporating representatives from both the United States and France. While this arrangement appears promising on paper, Middle East expert Danny Citrinowicz of the Atlantic Council think tank cautioned that the true effectiveness of the agreement would only be ascertainable upon its implementation.

In the wake of over a year of relentless clashes, the human toll has been staggering, with more than 1.2 million people displaced from their homes in Lebanon, alongside at least 60,000 individuals from towns and villages in northern Israel. The affected populations are yearning to return to their homes, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently emphasized the paramount objective of the war with Hezbollah as facilitating their return.

Unresolved Conflict with Hamas

While progress appears to be on the horizon regarding a ceasefire with Hezbollah, the negotiations for a resolution to Israel's conflict with another proxy force of Iran, Hamas, have not yielded any significant outcomes. The dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by food shortages and adverse weather conditions. Reports have emerged of renewed Israeli strikes, resulting in casualties in Gaza, further complicating the already precarious situation for the inhabitants of the territory.

In the interim, media coverage of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire negotiations is gaining momentum, with international attention focused on the potential resolution of this protracted conflict. Crisis in the Middle East remains a critical focal point for global diplomacy, as stakeholders continue to seek avenues for de-escalation and sustainable peace in the region.