Israel-Lebanon latest: Israel warns thousands returning in wake of Hezbollah truce not to break strict curfew

Israel is warning thousands of people returning to their homes in southern Lebanon not to break freshly imposed curfew conditions following the ceasefire deal.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has renewed a push for a ceasefire in Gaza after an agreement struck between Israel and Hezbollah raised hopes for peace in the wider region.

“We must seize this opportunity to build trust, de-escalate tensions and push for a wider ceasefire,” Sir Keir said just after midday during PMQs.

Waves of people are returning to their homes in southern Lebanon despite warnings from Israeli and Lebanese military to hold off after the breakthrough agreement.

“This is a moment of victory, pride and honor for us, the Shia sect, and for all of Lebanon,” said Hussein Sweidan, a resident returning to the southern city of Tyre, one of the areas bombed by Israel on Tuesday.

But the mood was different in Israel, where many people believe the ceasefire is not strong enough and are hesitant to return to communities in the country’s north.

The Hamas group says it is ready to reach a ceasefire in Gaza with Israel after the truce between Benjamin Netanyahu and the Iran-backed militant group began early on Wednesday.

Key Points

• Hamas ‘ready’ for a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza

• Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah begins

• Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce

• US envoy says ceasefire ‘permanent’ and Israeli forces will leave in 60 days

• Iran welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon

• Waves of Lebanese return home despite warnings

France says it will work with Netanyahu despite arrest warrant

16:50 , AP

France said it “intends to continue to work in close collaboration” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite an arrest warrant being issued for him by the world’s top war crimes court.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued warrants last week for Mr Netanyahu, his former defence minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza.

Since then, French officials have replied vaguely to questions about whether France would arrest Mr Netanyahu should he visit the country.

The French Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, told parliament this week that France would “rigorously” respect its obligations under international law, a position echoed again by France’s Foreign Minister in a broadcast interview.

But in a subsequent written statement, the French Foreign Ministry argued that Mr Netanyahu and others affected benefit from immunity because Israel is not a member of the court. It said this would be “taken into consideration if the ICC was to ask us for their arrest and handing over”.

The statement cited “the historic friendship that links France and Israel” and described them as “two democracies committed to the rule of law and respect for professional and independent justice”.

It added: “France intends to continue to work in close collaboration with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli authorities to achieve peace and security for all in the Middle East.”

The ceasefire in pictures

16:30 , Angus Thompson

IDF chief of staff warns Hezbollah approaching Israeli soldiers will be ‘targeted'

16:10 , Angus Thompson

IDF army chief of staff, general Herzi Halevi has issued a statement saying enforcing the agreement with Hezbollah will be more decisive than the fighting that preceded it.

The top commander warned Hezbollah members who approach IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon will be targeted.

“We do not intend to wage months of war and remove residents from their homes without now returning them safely,” he said in a statement posted online, adding forces from the northern command would be the first to confront people who returned to forbidden areas.

“There are units in the air around the clock, and naval units that gather information and are also capable of attacking in the western sector.”

The general said the IDF was “very determined to enforce the rules” under the new arrangement in Lebanon’s south.

Israel-Lebanon ceasefire explained: What is deal struck between Hezbollah and Israel – and will it hold?

15:50 , Angus Thompson

In the early hours of Wednesday morning a breakthrough ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect after 13 months of almost daily fire exchanged across the Israeli-Lebanon border and weeks of a intense ground and airstrike operation.

While residents of Beirut and southern Lebanon celebrated, returning to their neighbourhoods in droves hours after intense Israeli bombardments – despite warnings from the Israeli military to stay clear – the mood was different in Israel, with some northern communities fearful of going home and believing the deal didn’t go far enough.

Now the IDF is warning residents in southern Lebanon against moving towards their positions, with a spokesman saying, “our forces will deal with any movement that violates this agreement firmly.”

So, what is the deal that has ended the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and will it hold? Read this useful explainer here

Israeli forces impose curfew on residents in southern Lebanon

15:29 , Angus Thompson

Israel is placing residents in southern Lebanon under a strict curfew, warning them they forbidden from moving south from the Litani River overnight.

In an “urgent” notification posted on social media platform X, IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee said Lebanese people were barred from moving south towards villages the Israeli military had asked to be evacuated, or towards Israeli forces in the area.

“Any movement towards these areas exposes you to danger,” he said, adding that between 5pm today and 7pm tomorrow, local time, it was “absolutely prohibited to move south from the Litani River.”

“Those who are north of the Litani River - are prohibited from moving south,” he said.

“Those who are south of the Litani River - must remain in their places. We remind you that the IDF is still deployed in its positions in southern Lebanon according to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, and our forces will deal with any movement that violates this agreement firmly.”

UN Resolution 1701 is at the heart of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal. What is it?

14:55 , Kareem Chehayeb

In 2006, after a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militant group, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting security along the border.

But while there was relative calm for nearly two decades, Resolution 1701’s terms were never fully enforced.

Now, figuring out how to finally enforce it is key to a US-brokered ceasefire deal approved by Israel on Tuesday.

Almost two decades after the last war between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States led shuttle diplomacy efforts between Lebanon and Israel to agree on a ceasefire proposal that renewed commitment to the resolution, this time with an implementation plan to try to bring the document back to life.

What is UNSC Resolution 1701?

What does the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire mean for Gaza?

14:25 , Mark Almond

Wednesday morning in south Beirut started as daybreak has for much of the last two months – with explosions and gunfire. This time, however, it was peace breaking out that was being marked by the volleys.

As has happened so many times before, Hezbollah’s supporters wanted to celebrate fighting Israel to a standstill, regardless of the cost.

Cynics are probably not wrong to say that this ceasefire will only be temporary. However, it could endure for a long time if it suits the calculations of the power brokers on either side – and their foreign backers.

This ceasefire will likely hold, for now. But it is hardly likely to be a harbinger of a wider peace.

Read Mark Almond’s full analysis here

Biden says deal brings Middle East closer to peace

13:50 , Angus Thompson

US president Joe Biden took to X a short time ago to say the breakthrough deal with Israel and Hezbollah brought the region closer to lasting peace.

“Yesterday’s ceasefire brings us closer to realising a future I’ve been pushing for my entire presidency where the Middle East is at peace, prosperous, and integrated across borders,” he said.

The deal was brokered by Biden who called it a “historic” moment for the world. Despite this, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was quick to credit the president-elect for the deal.

“Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” Waltz wrote in a post on X. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.”

Foreign secretary David Lammy touts UK pressure

12:54 , Angus Thompson

Foreign secretary David Lammy has said the ceasefire offered hope to the Lebanese and Israeli civilians displaced from their homes by rocketfire over the past year.

He said the international community must seize the momentum towards lasting peace in the region, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

“The UK was the first G7 country to call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezballah in September and we have worked relentlessly since with our allies and partners to apply pressure to end this conflict since. We strongly urge all parties to use this agreement to open a pathway to a lasting peace,” he said in a statement issued late on Monday.

He assured the UK would support the UN in maintaining peace along the Blue Line demarcating Lebanon and Israel, adding Lebanese forces were the only legitimate military force in Lebanon.

“The devastation from this conflict is appalling and the human suffering must be addressed. The UK has played a leading role in addressing the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, announcing £15m in humanitarian support in autumn to provide essential medical supplies, emergency cash assistance, shelter and access to clean water. We will continue to play our part to support those in need,” he said.

Keir Starmer pushes for wider ceasefire

12:26 , Kate Devlin

Prime minister Keir Starmer has addressed parliament for the first time since the ceasefire agreement.

“We must seize this opportunity to build trust, de-escalate tensions and push for a wider ceasefire,” he said just after midday during PMQs.

Soon after news of the agreement, representing a major breakthrough in ending hostilities in the Middle East, Sir Keir said it was “long overdue” and urged for it to be the start of “a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East”.

“We must see immediate progress towards a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the release of all hostages and the removal of restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid,” he said earlier.

Hezbollah aerial unit commander killed in Beirut, IDF claims

12:11 , Angus Thompson

The IDF says it killed a Hezbollah commander who directed missile attacks against Israel during its intense bombardment of Beirut yesterday.

In a lengthy, published statement, the Israeli Defence Force said it had “eliminated” Jaafar Ali Samaha, who it said commanded “many aerial acts of terrorism, including the firing of cruise missiles” at Israel.

“In addition, he was responsible for coordinating the outlines between the various units in Hezbollah. Samaha’ served as the deputy commander of the unit (127) and was a senior member of it for over ten years,” the statement said.

It said its attack, part dozens of strikes against the Lebanese capital and southern areas, dismantled the chain of command of Hezbollah’s air unit.

UK Jewish leaders welcome ceasefire

11:39 , Angus Thompson

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah and calling for peace in Gaza.

Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg said the UK organisation expressed its gratitude “to the USA, France, and others who helped facilitate the agreement.”

“We hope that in due course communities on both sides of the border will be able to return safely to their homes and livelihoods,” Mr Rosenberg said.

“We pray that this breakthrough leads quickly to a wider cessation of hostilities in the region, including in Gaza, with the release of the hostages, aid and relief to Gazan civilians, and moves towards lasting peace and security between Israel, the Palestinians and the wider region”.

Israel firing at ‘suspects’ in southern Lebanon

11:14 , Angus Thompson

Israeli forces in southern Lebanon have been firing at “suspects” across a number of areas, with the defence force asserting on social media it will enforce any violation of the ceasefire.

“In recent hours, IDF forces have been firing at suspects identified in a number of areas in southern Lebanon,” the IDF posted on X.

The military earlier said it had established positions in southern Lebanon, where it also fired warning shots at people entering currently restricted areas.

“The forces fired to prevent their arrival in the area, and the suspects moved away,” the IDF said.

Tories cautiously welcome ceasefire

10:30 , Kate Devlin

UK’s shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel says the opposition “cautiously” welcomes the US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah “while recognising there is a long road ahead.”

The Conservatives’ reaction to the major breakthrough in the Middle East comes after prime minister Keir Starmer said it was “long overdue” and urged for it to be the start of “a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East”.

Ms Patel said that Hezbollah moving back behind the Litani River, in Lebanon’s south, and Isreal having the ability to deal with immediate threats from Hezbollah is “clearly key.”

“We have consistently called for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the broad outline of this deal appears a step in the right direction,” she said.

“A huge international effort will be needed if this agreement is to endure. If it works, it could bring long awaited relief for many and potentially a pathway to sustainable peace across the Blue Line.

She said the key to ending the Gaza conflict was the release of Israeli hostages.

“Hamas should release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally,” she said.

Trump team claims credit for Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

10:02 , Rhian Lubin

Donald Trump’s team has tried to claim credit for the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire hours after President Joe Biden announced it from the White House.

The Biden administration reportedly briefed the president-elect’s national security team to inform them of the agreement and the commitments made, but Trump officials were not directly involved in the negotiations, according to a senior Biden administration official.

The deal, which marks a major breakthrough in the devastating conflict that has gripped the Middle East, was actually brokered by Biden who called it a “historic” moment for the world.

Despite this, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was quick to credit the president-elect for the deal.

“Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” Waltz wrote in a post on X. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.”

Read the full story here

Celebratory gunshots in Beirut after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire brokered

09:24 , Holly Patrick

Gunshots were heard in Beirut, Lebanon, in the early hours of Wednesday (27 November) in an apparent celebration at the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Footage showed smoke rising from the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes fired before the ceasefire took hold at 4am local time on Wednesday.

US president Joe Biden, who brokered the deal and spoke to Israel and Lebanon’s leaders shortly after it was announced, said the ceasefire was designed to be permanent.

Lebanese celebrations in pictures

08:56 , Angus Thompson

Droves of people are returning to their homes in Lebanon, with the streets filled with traffic and residents of bombed out areas celebrating, and waving flags. Here are the images from the ground following the breakthrough ceasefire.

Celebrations in Lebanon, while many Israelis subdued

08:25 , AP

Sporadic gunfire was heard at a main roundabout in the Lebanese southern coastal city of Tyre, where Israeli jets had struck on Tuesday, as returning residents honked their car horns and others cheered.

“This is a moment of victory, pride and honor for us, the Shia sect, and for all of Lebanon,” said Hussein Sweidan, a resident returning to Tyre.

He said the ceasefire as a victory for Hezbollah.

But the mood was different in Israel, where many people believe the ceasefire is not strong enough.

“I think it is still not safe to return to our homes because Hezbollah is still close to us,” said Eliyahu Maman, an Israeli displaced from the northern Israeli city of Kyriat Shmona, which has been hit hard by the months of fighting.

Waves of Lebanese return home despite warnings

08:15 , AP

Waves of Lebanese people have begun to return to their homes in the south of the country despite warnings from the Israeli military to hold off.

Israel’s Arabic military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned displaced Lebanese not to return to their villages, while the The Lebanese military asked displaced people returning to southern Lebanon to avoid frontline villages and towns near the border, where Israeli troops are still present.

However, videos circulating on social media show Lebanese returning to villages in the south near the coastal city of Tyre, one of the areas bombarded by Israeli jets on Tuesday.

Thousands of people have already begun driving south on the highway linking Beirut to southern Lebanon, with their belongings and mattresses tied on top of their cars.

Traffic was gridlocked at the northern entrance of the port city of Sidon.

Israeli strikes have left Lebanon with £6.7bn in damages

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Israel’s strikes on Lebanon targeting Hezbollah have left the country with damages worth an estimated £6.7bn, according to the Associated Press.

At least 100,000 homes have been destroyed in Lebanon, while in Israel around 5,683 acres of land have burned.

Israel’s attacks have killed more than 3,800 people in Lebanon and forced 1.2 million to flee their homes, the country’s health ministry said.

Hezbollah’s missile strikes have killed more than 80 Israeli soldiers and 47 civilians in Israel.

Gunfire heard across Beirut as ceasefire takes effect

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Bursts of gunfire could be heard across Beirut after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah took effect this morning.

It was not immediately clear if the shooting was celebratory, as gunfire had also been used to alert residents who may have missed evacuation warnings issued by Israel’s military.

Streams of cars began heading to southern Lebanon, which borders Israel, after the ceasefire, Reuters reported.

The ceasefire promises to end a conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border that has killed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza war last year.

In pics: Lebanese citizens reclaim streets as ceasefire takes effect

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Hamas ‘ready’ for a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza

06:50 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Hamas group says it is ready to reach a ceasefire in Gaza with Israel following a truce between Benjamin Netanyahu and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners,” a senior official of Hamas told AFP.

US president Joe Biden on Tuesday said over the coming days Washington will “make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza – with the hostages released and the end of the war without Hamas in power”.

Xi Jinping urges Gaza ceasefire

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Chinese president Xi Jinping has reportedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza during his visit to the Brazilian capital.

Mr Xi expressed concerns about the spread of the conflict in Gaza, and “called for a ceasefire and an end to the war at an early date,” according to state-run Xinhua news agency.

Lebanese army preparing to deploy south

06:23 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Lebanon’s army this morning said it is preparing to deploy to the south of the country, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect.

The army also asked residents of border villages to delay returning home until the Israeli military withdraws.

Netanyahu’s arrest warrant will throw the very future of the ICC into question

06:00 , Alexander Butler

Netanyahu’s arrest warrant will throw the very future of the ICC into question

Iran welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iran welcomes the ceasefire in Lebanon, the country’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement this morning, shortly after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah took effect.

The ceasefire calls for an initial 60-day halt to fighting and requires Iran-backed Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border.

Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the US would monitor compliance, according to reports.

What to know about ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah

05:00 , Alexander Butler

US envoy says ceasefire ‘permanent’ and Israeli forces will leave Lebanon in 60 days

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

US envoy Amos Hochstein told Al Jazeera that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was “permanent”.

He said the Israeli military on the ground in the first two-three km from the border will remain in place and the Lebanese army will redeploy back down to the south.

The first Israeli forces “will leave over the next several days, or first couple of weeks, and gradually, over 60 days, they will all depart,” he said.

“But there is a lot to do in these 60 days. The Lebanese army cannot deploy that many forces that quickly all across the south when they haven’t been there in such a long time.”

UK’s Starmer says Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal will bring relief to civilians

04:00 , Alexander Butler

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah will provide some measure of relief to civilian populations in Lebanon and Northern Israel and urged progress towards a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah will take effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France.

Biden, who gave remarks at the White House shortly after Israel’s security cabinet approved the agreement in a 10-1 vote, said he had spoken to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Fighting across the Israel-Lebanon border would end at 4 a.m. local time (2am GMT).

“We must see immediate progress towards a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the release of all hostages and the removal of restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid,” Starmer said in a post on X.

Foreign Minister David Lammy said the ceasefire must be a turning point that builds momentum towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks ceasefire agreement

03:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel will respond ‘with might’ if the Iran-backed group violates the ceasefire.

“If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” Mr Netanyahu said.

“For every violation, we will attack with might.”

His office said Israel appreciated the US efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security”.

Ceasefire deal approved by Israel’s security cabinet

03:00 , Alexander Butler

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect.

The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announce details of the deal in Washington. Biden called the ceasefire in Lebanon “good news,” but it’s not clear how the truce will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In the hours before Israel agreed to the ceasefire, residents of Beirut endured the most intense wave of Israeli strikes on the capital and its southern suburbs since the start of the 13-month war.

Israel was apparently signaling it intended to pummel the country before any ceasefire takes hold. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north.

Israel asks evacuated residents of Lebanon not to return yet

02:59 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Israel has warned residents evacuated from southern Lebanon not to head home yet due to the ongoing military deployment in the region.

Residents were warned in the first half-hour of the ceasefire, which began a short while ago at 4am (local time) today, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut.

There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, which Israel insisted was part of the deal but Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected.

Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah begins

02:52 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early this morning as a region on edge wondered whether it would hold.The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Watch: Biden calls for peace in Gaza after Lebanon ceasefire announced

02:00 , Alexander Butler

Israeli strikes hit north Lebanon crossings with Syria for first time, minister says

01:00 , Alexander Butler

Israeli strikes late on Tuesday targeted Lebanon’s three northern border crossings with Syria for the first time, Lebanon’s transport minister Ali Hamieh told Reuters.

The strikes came moments after US President Joe Biden announced that a ceasefire would come into effect at 4am local time (2am GMT) on Wednesday to halt hostilities between Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Israel.

Hamieh said it was not immediately clear whether the roads had been cut off as a result of the strikes. Israeli raids on Lebanon’s eastern crossings in recent weeks had already sealed off those routes into Syria.

Syrian state media Sana had said Israeli strikes targeted the northern crossings between Syria and Lebanon but it was not immediately clear what side of the border was hit.

Syrian state TV reported that 10 people were injured, including three critically, in an Israeli strike on the Arida border crossing, with the wounded transported to nearby hospitals, while casualties were also reported in a separate Israeli strike on the Dabousieh border crossing with Lebanon.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment but has previously stated that it targets what it says are Iran-linked sites in Syria as part of a broader campaign to curb the influence of Iran and its ally Hezbollah in the region.

What to know about ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah

00:01 , Alexander Butler

What to know about ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah

Read the full story: Israel approves ceasefire deal with Hezbollah

Tuesday 26 November 2024 23:00 , Alexander Butler

Israeli ministers approve ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon

Biden to push for Gaza ceasefire after Israel-Lebanon deal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 21:56 , Alexander Butler

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday his administration was pushing for an elusive ceasefire in Gaza and that it is possible that Saudi Arabia and Israel could normalize relations.

The US “will make another push, with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others, to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.

Biden also wants the hostages released and to end the war without Hamas in power. Biden made the comments as he announced an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire at the White House.

He added the US “remained prepared to conclude a set of historic deals with Saudi Arabia, to include a security pact and economic assurances, together with a credible pathway for establishing a Palestinian state and the full normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.”

Biden says Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire will take effect Wednesday morning

Tuesday 26 November 2024 21:40 , Alexander Butler

A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah will take effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday.

The accord, clearing the way for an end to a conflict that has killed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza war last year, was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities, Biden said in remarks at the White House.

Fighting across the Israel-Lebanon border will end at 4am local time (2am GMT), Biden said.

“This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” he said. “What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again.

Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over a period of 60 days as Lebanon’s army takes control of territory near its border with Israel to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there, Biden said.

“Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities,” he said.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib earlier said the Lebanese army would be ready to have at least 5,000 troops deployed in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdraw.

Watch: Biden Calls For Peace In Gaza After Lebanon Ceasefire Announced

Tuesday 26 November 2024 21:24 , Alexander Butler

Ceasefire deal approved by Israel’s security cabinet

Tuesday 26 November 2024 21:01 , Alex Ross

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect.

The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announce details of the deal in Washington. Biden called the ceasefire in Lebanon “good news,” but it’s not clear how the truce will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In the hours before Israel agreed to the ceasefire, residents of Beirut endured the most intense wave of Israeli strikes on the capital and its southern suburbs since the start of the 13-month war.

Israel was apparently signaling it intended to pummel the country before any ceasefire takes hold. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north.

Read the full story here

Tuesday 26 November 2024 20:30 , Alexander Butler

Netanyahu approves US plan for ceasefire with Lebanon

Watch: Netanyahu backs US plan for ceasefire with Lebanon

Tuesday 26 November 2024 19:59 , Alexander Butler

Israeli security minister rejects ceasefire proposal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 19:55 , Alexander Butler

Israel’s far-right security minister has rejected the US ceasefire plan backed by Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening.

Itamar Ben-Gvir branded the ceasefire plan a “historical mistake” and said Israel needed a security belt north of the border.

‘This is not a ceasefire. It’s a return to the concept of silence for silence, and we’ve already seen where it leads,” he said.

“In order to leave Lebanon, we must have our own security belt. We have already seen it, that we must not trust anyone but ourselves.

“Otherwise, the missiles will be launched at Manara, Avivim, Kiryat Shmona, the entire north and the entire State of Israel, and finally we will have to return to Lebanon again. This is a historical mistake!”

Israeli strike kills at least 13 at school sheltering displaced in Gaza City, medics say

Tuesday 26 November 2024 19:30 , Alexander Butler

An Israeli air strike killed at least 13 Palestinians at a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City, medics said on Tuesday.

They said that dozens of people were also wounded in the Israeli strike that hit the Al-Hurreya School in the Zeitoun neighborhood, one of the oldest suburbs of Gaza City.

Later on Tuesday, an Israeli air strike on a house also in Zeitoun suburb killed seven people and wounded others, medics said. Another strike killed at least one man in the southern city of Rafah, raising the number of Palestinians killed by Israel on Tuesday to 21.

Netanyahu will respond to ‘any violation’ of ceasefire

Tuesday 26 November 2024 18:53 , Alexander Butler

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he was ready to implement a ceasefire deal with Lebanon and would “respond forcefully to any violation” by Hezbollah.

In a television address, Netanyahu said he would put the ceasefire accord to his full cabinet later in the evening. Israeli TV reported that the more restricted security cabinet had earlier approved the deal.

“We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. Together, we will continue until victory,” he said.

“In full coordination with the United States, we retain complete military freedom of action. Should Hezbollah violate the agreement or attempt to rearm, we will strike decisively.”

He added that there were three reasons to pursue a ceasefire -- to focus on Iran, replenish depleted arms supplies and give the army a rest, and finally to isolate Hamas, the militant group that triggered war in the region when it launched an attack on Israel from Gaza last year.

He said Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and allied to Hamas, was considerably weaker than it had been at the start of the conflict.

“We have set it back decades, eliminated ... its top leaders, destroyed most of its rockets and missiles, neutralised thousands of fighters, and obliterated years of terror infrastructure near our border,” he said.

Netanyahu to present ceasefire plan to cabinet

Tuesday 26 November 2024 18:22 , Alexander Butler

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed a US plan for a ceasefire with Hezbollah in a significant breakthrough to resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Mr Netanyahu said he would present the plan - widely expected to include a 60-day ceasefire - to his full cabinet for approval tonight.

Addressing Israel, he said: “Hezbollah is no longer the same it has gone back dozens of years - we have killed Nasrallah, we have killed all senior commanders in the organisation we have destroyed many missiles and rockets.

We also destroyed the infrastructure of terror that has been built for many years near our borders. The ground is trembling in Lebanon

“That is why tonight I will bring to the cabinet approval an outline for a ceasefire in Lebanon - the duration of the ceasefire will depend of what is happening.”

Antony Blinken defends Beirut attack, says ‘missiles going in both directions’ daily

Tuesday 26 November 2024 17:29 , Angus Thompson

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said both sides in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict were exchanging daily missile fire when asked about Israel’s bombardment of Beirut at the G7 meeting.

“[It] only underscores how urgent it is to get the ceasefire, and it’s why we’ve been working so intensely on bringing it to a conclusion,” Mr Blinken said.

“That’s the single most important thing to make an immediate difference, to stop the rockets and missiles flying in both directions.”

He acknowledged that Israel was attacking Beirut, “but every single day, Hezbollah has been launching projectiles into Israel and northern Israel, as it’s done virtually every day since October 7 [2023], which is how this problem started.”

Benjamin Netanyahu set to speak at 6pm

Tuesday 26 November 2024 16:20 , Angus Thompson

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a national address at 6pm UK time following a meeting with his national security cabinet.

Mr Netanyahu is widely expected to announce a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah after terms were brokered by the US government to end one conflict engulfing the Middle East after the 7 October, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israeli communities plunged the region into a multi-front war.

According to reports, the ceasefire would see Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon, and Lebanese troops would move into the area, a Hezbollah stronghold.

However Israel has warned that it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah should it breach the terms of a deal.

Footage of Israel’s largescale assault on Beirut

Tuesday 26 November 2024 16:15 , Angus Thompson

Israel is undertaking a massive, deadly bombardment of Beirut ahead of a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah.

Seven killed and dozens injured in central Beirut strike, Lebanon says

Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:59 , Reuters, Angus Thompson

Lebanon’s ministry of public health says seven people have been killed and 37 others have been injured in an Israeli strike in the Nuwairi area in Beirut.

The update comes as the Israeli Defence Force continues to pummel the Lebanese capital, issueing several evacuation orders for sections of the city over the past few hours ahead of a ceasefire agreement expected to be secured later today.

Meanwhile, an Israeli air strike killed at least 10 Palestinians at a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City, medics said on Tuesday.

They said that dozens of people were also wounded in the Israeli strike that hit the Al-Hurreya School in the Zeitoun neighborhood, one of the oldest suburbs of Gaza City.

Israeli troops reach Litani River in southern Lebanon

Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:30 , Angus Thompson

Israeli troops have reached the Litani River area of southern Lebanon, according to the IDF.

In a statement released earlier today, Israeli forces said their 91st Division pursued Hezbollah sites and weapons hauls “in complicated, built-up and mountainous areas in southern Lebanon from which terrorist plots were taken towards the northern settlements.”

“In the area of ​​the Litani river, the battle team of the Alexandroni brigade, including the reserve forces of the 769th brigade, the Golani patrol and the Sheldag unit raided following intelligence indications of many terrorist infrastructures that were hidden along the route of the complex terrain,” the statement said.

Israeli defence minister approves continued operations amid ceasefire talks

Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:00 , Angus Thompson

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has approved the continuation of the military offensive on the northern front of the conflict as Israeli forces carry out a major bombardment of Beirut and southern Lebanon while facing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire.

Israel earlier said it was carrying out “large scale” airstrikes on Beirut in a major bombardment of the Lebanese capital, releasing footage of its airforce striking 20 targets it said were Hezbollah strongholds.

The IDF also released a lengthy statement in which it claimed to have “eliminated” a Hezbollah commander who had carried out attacks against Israel’s northern settlements.

G7 countries up pressure on Israel to accept ceasefire

Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:40 , Reuters

Foreign Ministers from the G7 democracies have upped the pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying “now is the time to conclude a diplomatic settlement.”

In a draft statement at the end of a two-day meeting in Italy, the G7 ministers urged Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to Palestinians, and condemned increasing settler violence in the West Bank.

The ministers also condemned recent attack on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and expressed their support for the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, saying it plays a “vital role.”

Large-scale strikes over Beirut and Hezbollah commander ‘eliminated’

Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:13 , Angus Thompson

Israel says it is carrying out “large scale” airstrikes on Beirut in a major bombardment of the Lebanese capital ahead of critical ceasefire talks.

The Israeli Defence Force has posted a statement on social media platform X accompanied by black-and-white, aerial footage of explosions across a large area of Beirut.

“20 terrorist targets in 120 seconds,” part of the statement said, adding that Hezbollah’s money management and storage facilities were attacked in the air raid.

The IDF also released a lengthy statement in which it claimed to have “eliminated” a Hezbollah commander who had carried out attacks against Israel’s northern settlements.

“In the last week and in a precise activity, the commando fighters identified a squad of armed terrorists with the help of observation devices. Directing fire from the air and from the ground, a number of terrorists were killed, including the commander of the sector in the area where the forces operate,” the statement said.

“The commander of the sector in Hezbollah led terrorists and shooting towards the settlements of the north, including the city of Matula.”

The IDF statement said anti-tank missiles and a rock launcher were found following the operation.

Analysis: Israel poised for ceasefire with Lebanon - but anger remains over ‘surrender’

Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:01 , Bel Trew

Massive explosions from Israeli warplanes set Beirut’s skies ablaze again on Tuesday, as the UN warned of an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis”.

But amid the escalating violence a glimmer of hope emerged: the potential end to a devastating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which has claimed thousands of lives since it erupted 14 months ago in the wake of the devastating Gaza war.

Israeli government sources told The Independent that Israel was poised to approve a US-France plan for a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Reports suggested Israel’s security cabinet was expected to convene as early as Tuesday evening to sign off on the proposal in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“It seems very positive,” one official told The Independent.

The pressure is mounting - the European Union’s top diplomat Joseph Borrell said on Tuesday that there were “no excuses” for Israel to refuse the ceasefire, adding that all its security concerns had been addressed and that Lebanon would “fall apart” if it was not pushed through.

But in northern Israel, news of the proposal sparked outrage among hardline local mayors whose populations have been evacuated further south. Concerns have also risen about resistance from far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, who may also attempt to block the deal.

Read Bel’s full analysis here

Seven injured in strikes in Tyre, Lebanese health ministry says

Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:46 , Angus Thompson, Reuters

Lebanon’s ministry of public health says seven people have been injured following Israeli strikes on the towns of Srifa and Bazourieh in the coastal area of Tyre, in the country’s south.

The update was made on X as Israel continues is bombardment of Beirut and dozens of targets in southern Lebanon.

Earlier, Lebanese foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib expressed hope at a conference in Rome that a deal to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could be sealed by Tuesday night.

He said the Lebanese army would be ready to have at least 5,000 troops deployed in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdraw, and that the United States could play a role in rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by Israeli strikes.

Fresh evacuation orders as Beirut strikes continue

Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:26 , Angus Thompson

Israeli forces are not letting up on their attack on the Lebanese capital, issuing another evacuation alert for the southern Beirut area of Ghobeiry a short time ago.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X that residents in buildings specified on an aerial map accompanying the warning should evacuate immediately.

“You are located near facilities and interests affiliated with Hezbollah, and the IDF will work against them forcefully in the near future for your safety and the safety of your family members,” Mr Adraee said.

The latest pictures from Beirut airstrikes

Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:09 , Angus Thompson

A building has been demolished and a cemetery damaged in imagery that shows the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in Beirut.

The bombardments are the latest in a series of strikes as Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire ahead of the discussion of a ceasefire in Israel’s national security cabinet later today.

Airstrikes hit dozens of Hezbollah targets this morning, IDF says

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:48 , Angus Thompson

Israeli fighter jets have bombed dozens of Hezbollah targets in Beirut and southern Lebanon, according to the IDF, as fighting intensifies in the lead-up to a ceasefire deal being struck between the sides later today.

In a series of statements posted on social media platform X, the Israeli Defence Force said it acted on intelligence to attack buildings used by Hezbollah’s coastal missile unit, military headquarters, and other infrastructure this morning.

“All of the targets that were attacked were deliberately placed by Hezbollah in the heart of the civilian population, another example of the terrorist organization Hezbollah’s cynical use of Lebanese citizens as a human shield,” the IDF said, adding it took steps to warn the civilian population ahead of the strikes.

Before the attack, many steps were taken to reduce the chance of harming civilians, including early intelligence gathering, accurate observation, and advance warnings for the evacuation of the population in the area.

The IDF said it also targeted weapons, anti-tank missile, and air-defence depots in the Bint Jabal area in the country’s south, and in the early morning attacked 30 sites in the south that included Hezbollah weapons caches and military headquarters.

“Additional weapons depots associated with the ‘Nasser’ unit, which is responsible for many terrorist attacks against the northern settlements and the IDF forces, were also attacked,” the IDF statement said of the unit operating on the conflict’s southern front.

Israel’s deputy foreign minister says ICC warrant encourages evil

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:24 , Angus Thompson

Israel’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel has slammed the recent arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a political decision that only serves the interests of Israel’s enemies.

In a broadcast speech, Ms Haskel said the warrant “deprived the most threatened country in the world” of its right to defend itself.

“Israel has been attak from six different fronts from a few countries that are surrounding it and are far away,” she said, adding the ICC has made itself a “vessel” at the disposal of extremist groups.

“From a political perspective, it actually encourages the axis of evil.”

She said the fact that both Hamas and Iran congratulated the issuing of the warrant, which also targeted Mr Netanyahu’s former defence minister Yoav Gallant, over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Netanyahu can secure majority needed for ceasefire deal: former Israel justice minister

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:03 , Angus Thompson

Israel’s former justice minister Yossi Beilin has told news broadcaster Al Jazeera prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be able to secure the majority needed to land the ceasefire deal when he meets with the national security cabinet later today.

“There are some ministers, especially the lunatic ones, who will be against any ceasefire anywhere in the world, but they are not threatening neither the decision nor even the government,” Al Jazeera has reported Mr Beilin as saying during an interview from Tel Aviv.

CNN is also reporting Mr Netanyahu has agreed in-principle to the deal.

It comes after Israel’s national security minister and far-right party leader Itamar Ben Gvir warned a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah is a “big mistake”.

Al Jazeera has reported Beilin as saying many Israelis opposed a ceasefire. “This is understandable, because as long as Hezbollah is an armed militia in Lebanon, it takes hostage the government of Lebanon ... and is a threat on Israel,” he said.

‘No support, no mercy’: Gazans fear greater onslaught without similar deal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:44 , Nidal al-Mughrabi

The prospect of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon‘s Hezbollah without a similar deal with Hamas in Gaza has left Palestinians feeling abandoned and fearful that Israel will focus squarely on its onslaught in the enclave.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah began firing missiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas after the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel in October of 2023, triggering the Gaza war.

But while diplomacy focuses on Lebanon, Palestinians say they feel let down by the world after 14 months of conflict which has devastated the Gaza Strip and killed more than 44,000 people.

“It showed Gaza is an orphan, with no support and no mercy from the unjust world,” said Abdel-Ghani, a father of five who only gave a first name.

“I am angry against the world that has failed to bring one solution to the two regions ... maybe, there will be another deal for Gaza, maybe.”

Tamer Al-Burai, a Gaza City businessman, said he and others had “high hopes that Hezbollah would remain steadfast until the end, but it seems they couldn’t.”

An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire without a deal for Gaza would be a blow to Hamas, whose leaders had hoped the expansion of the war into Lebanon would pressure Israel to reach a comprehensive ceasefire.

IDF soldier injured in border region drone attack

Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:34

The Times of Israel is reporting rocket and drone fire into border communities in the country’s north has seen two elderly people and a soldier injured.

According to the national news oulet, the Israeli Defence Force reported shooting down a Hezbollah drone that went into Golan Heights, near the Israel-Lebanon-Syria border, early on Tuesday morning.

However, a female IDF soldier was taken to hospital after being seriously wounded in a drone attack on the Mount Hermon area hours later.

Imagery of Beirut airstrikes emerging

Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:17 , Angus Thompson

Imagery has emerged of the Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut this morning ahead of an impending ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

The photo shows sections of the city up in smoke, after the Israeli Defence Force issued an evacuation warning ahead of the targeted strikes.

Hezbollah has kept up rocket fire into Israel as pressure mounts on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the terms of a deal that could pave the way for greater piece in the region.

Israel strikes Beirut suburbs ahead of ceasefire deal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:59 , Angus Thompson

Israel airstrikes in southern Beirut have demolished sections of Hezbollah-controlled suburbs, as the militant group also kept up rocket fire into Israel.

The IDF issued an evacuation warning on social media platform X earlier this morning, telling all residents in some southern suburbs, “you are located near Hezbollah facilities and interests, against which the IDF will operate in the near future.”

“For your safety and the safety of your family members, you must evacuate these buildings and those adjacent to them immediately and stay away from them for a distance of no less than 500 meters,” the post said.

The IDF released a map, telling residents it was targeting Burj Al-Barajneh and the pond enclosure.

Israel’s UN ambassador says nation could still strike Lebanon under deal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:47 , Reuters, Angus Thompson

On Monday, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, asserted Israel would maintain an ability to strike southern Lebanon under any agreement.

Lebanon has previously objected to Israel being granted such a right, and Lebanese officials have said such language is not included in the draft proposal.

However, two Israeli officials told Reuters news agency Israel had a side agreement with the US allowing it to take action in Lebanon against “imminent threats.”

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Force has this morning continued its warnings of the threats it says Hezbollah poses, posting on social media platform X the militant political group “endangers UN peacekeepers, Israeli and Lebanese civilians alike.”

The IDF has reported Hezbollah fired rockets toward the northern Golan Heights, near the Israel-Syria-Lebanon border, damaging a UN outpost.

“A message was sent to the UN prior to the event, advising that all UN personnel enter/stay near protected areas,” the post this morning said, adding the IDF conducted an inspect after the strike.

“It was concluded that the damage was in fact caused by the fallout from Hezbollah’s rockets which were launched toward northern Israel.”

Israel will have ‘zero tolerance’ towards breaches of deal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:30 , Angus Thompson

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, says the nation will show “zero tolerance” towards any infraction of an impending ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, as Israel demands the UN enforce the terms of the agreement.

“Any house in southern Lebanon that is rebuilt and established as a terrorist base will be destroyed, every armament and terrorist regrouping will be struck, every attempt to smuggle weapons will be thwarted and any threat to our forces or to Israeli citizens will be destroyed immediately,” Katz has reportedly told the U.N.’s special co-ordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, according to Reuters.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will chair a security council meeting later today, where the deal will be considered, but Katz’ rhetoric in the lead-up to the discussion signals it is likely to be approved.

Israel says any deal with Lebanon will maintain its ability to act to remove the threat of Hezbollah, while Lebanon has said it will send 5,000 troops into the border region to maintain piece.

Israeli minister and far-right leader Ben Gvir urges against ceasefire deal

Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:11 , Angus Thompson

Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir has warned a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah is a “big mistake” and that the agreement would be a “missed opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah”.

The leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit took to X yesterday to announce his grievances over the impending deal as the international community ramps up pressure for Israel to agree to the terms, which would see Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon, and Lebanese troops to move into the border region, a Hezbollah stronghold.

“An agreement with Lebanon is a big mistake. A historic missed opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah,” he said.

“I understand all the constraints and reasons, and it is still a grave mistake. You have to listen to the commanders fighting in the field, listen to the heads of the authorities.”

He said it was “forbidden to stop” when Hezbollah was beaten and longing for a ceasefire. “As I warned before in Gaza, I warn now as well: Mr. Prime Minister - it is not too late to stop this agreement! We must continue until the absolute victory!”

‘No excuse,’ warns EU foreign policy chief

Tuesday 26 November 2024 09:52 , Reuters

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is urging Israel to back the ceasefire deal, which he says has all the necessary security guarantees for Israel.

Speaking at a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Italy, Mr Borrell said there was no excuse for not implementing the deal with Hezbollah, adding pressure should be exerted on Israel to approve it immediately.

“No more excuses. No more additional requests,” Mr Borrell said.

He said he discussed prospects for a deal in a recent trip to Lebanon and one of the sticking points was whether France should be included in a committee monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire, which the US is due to chair.

He said the Lebanese have specifically asked for France’s involvement, but the Israelis have misgivings. “This is one of the points that are still missing,” he said.