New Delhi: Hailing the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said India has always sought “de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy”.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: “We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region.”
Israel and Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire following months of fierce clashes that started due to the Israel-Gaza conflict. In September this year, the violence escalated after several leaders of the Hezbollah were killed.
Netanyahu thanks Biden for his key role in ceasefire pact
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to outgoing US President Joe Biden for his “involvement in securing the ceasefire agreement”. In a phone call, Netanyahu appreciated Biden’s “understanding that Israel will maintain its freedom of action in enforcing it”, as per a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
Before Israel gave its nod to the deal, Netanyahu said the “length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon” and the pact would allow Israel to “intensify” pressure on Hamas and put its focus on the “Iranian threat”.
What is the ceasefire deal
The ceasefire agreement will be implemented over 60 days, during which both Israeli forces and Hezbollah will withdraw from southern Lebanon. Declared on Tuesday night, the deal comes after almost 14 months of fierce fighting. It has been brokered by the US and France. Biden pointed out that the truce is meant to provide a permanent end to the strife. Israeli ministers that Israel would resume strikes on Lebanon if Hezbollah flouted the terms of the ceasefire.
