Israeli Warplanes Strike Beirut Ahead of Ceasefire Vote
Israeli warplanes struck central Beirut and the city’s southern suburbs on Tuesday, raising palls of smoke over the Lebanese capital ahead of a planned vote by Israel’s leadership on whether to accept a US-brokered ceasefire aimed at ending more than a year of fighting with Hezbollah.
Escalating Tensions in Beirut
The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck – a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the last moments before any ceasefire takes hold. Israeli ground troops also reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River for the first time in the conflict – a focal point of the emerging ceasefire.
Ceasefire Approval Expected
A ceasefire was still not a sure thing, but Israel’s security Cabinet, meeting on Tuesday afternoon, was expected to approve the US-backed proposal. Lebanese officials have said Hezbollah also supports the deal. If approved by all sides, the deal would be a major step towards ending the Israel-Hezbollah war that has inflamed tensions across the region and raised fears of an even wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah’s patron, Iran.
Potential Ceasefire Terms
The deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. However, implementation remains a major question mark.
Challenges Ahead
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz insisted that the military would strike Hezbollah if the UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, doesn’t provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, expressed concerns but emphasized the need for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
Bombardment of Beirut’s Southern Suburbs Continues
Even as negotiations for a ceasefire progress, Israeli airstrikes continue in Lebanon with strikes hitting residential areas and Hezbollah strongholds. The situation remains tense as both sides brace for potential escalation.
Previous Ceasefire Efforts
Previous attempts at a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have failed, leading to continued clashes and casualties on both sides. The current ceasefire proposal aims to bring an end to the conflict and restore stability in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on civilians, with thousands displaced and casualties on both sides. The need for a ceasefire is urgent to prevent further loss of life and humanitarian crisis.
Conclusion
The situation in Lebanon remains precarious as Israel and Hezbollah navigate the terms of a potential ceasefire. The outcome of the ceasefire proposal will have far-reaching implications for the region, and the international community closely monitors the developments.
FAQs
1. What are the key terms of the ceasefire proposal?
The ceasefire proposal calls for a two-month halt in fighting, withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from southern Lebanon, and deployment of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers in the region.
2. How has the conflict impacted civilians in Lebanon and Israel?
Thousands have been displaced, and casualties have been reported on both sides, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.