Ceasefire in Lebanon and Israel: What is the scope of the agreement, how long will it last and what is the United States’ involvement?

The war began shortly after the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hezbollah – a Lebanese militant group – fires rockets at Israel in response to its attack on Gaza. Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s late leader, reportedly vowed to continue shelling Israel until it stopped attacking Gaza.

According to Al JazeeraIn Lebanon, Israeli attacks killed at least 3,768 people and injured almost 16,000.

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement, calling the agreement “long overdue”. “The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to end the ongoing cycle of violence in the pursuit of long-term, lasting peace in the Middle East,” he said.

But what does the ceasefire mean for both sides and how did it come about?

What is the agreement between Israel and Lebanon?

Following the ceasefire agreement, Israeli troops are expected to leave southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah will leave its stations and return north of the Litani River.

To ensure that the terms of the agreement are respected, the Lebanese army (most of which witnessed the conflict) will monitor the area south of the river along with a task force of American and French peacekeepers.

Israeli ministers have urged the country to resume attacks on Lebanon if the group violates the terms of the agreement. “We will enforce the agreement and respond decisively to any violations,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, adding: “Together we will continue until victory.”

Who brokered the transaction?

The transaction was mediated by the United States and France. US President Joe Biden said in a speech at the White House on Tuesday: “Today’s announcement is a critical step… which is why I applaud the bold decision made by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence.”

The president mentioned that the United States “together with France and other countries” will help ensure effective compliance with the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreement was “the culmination of efforts over many months with the authorities of Israel and Lebanon, in close cooperation with the United States.”

How long will the ceasefire last?

The agreement was implemented at 4 a.m. local time (2 a.m. GMT) on Wednesday, after the Israeli government and the Lebanese government agreed to its terms.

President Biden told reporters the agreement “is intended to create a lasting ceasefire.” Under the terms of the agreement, within 60 days, both sides in the conflict will remove their soldiers from the Blue Line, the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel that is located about 20 miles south of the Litani River.

What about people forced to leave their homes?

Although both sides launched attacks, Israel caused much greater destruction in southern Lebanon. Nabih Berri, speaker of Lebanon’s parliament, urged residents to “return to their lands.”

In Israel’s north, many residents are not expected to return as levels of distrust in the ceasefire are reported to be high.