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A US-brokered ceasefire came into effect on Wednesday, bringing an end to months of conflict. Hezbollah chief termed it a victory.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem (Reuters Image)
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday termed the ceasefire declaration between Israel and Lebanon a “great victory” as Israel was “prevented” from destroying the militant group.
In his first speech since a ceasefire came into effect before dawn on Wednesday, Qassem termed the “ divine victory” even greater than “that of July 2006″.
“I have decided to declare… officially and clearly that we are facing a great victory that surpasses that of July 2006,” Qassem said, adding, “We won because we prevented the enemy from destroying Hezbollah… (and) from annihilating or weakening the resistance.”
“To those that were betting that Hezbollah would be weakened, we are sorry, their bets have failed,” he added.
Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal
Notably, the ceasefire deal, brokered by Israel’s allies the US and France, brought an end to over a year-long conflict that began after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The tensions between the two neighbouring countries escalated this year after the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Under the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli troops will hold their positions, however, “a 60-day period will commence in which the Lebanese military and security forces will begin their deployment towards the south,” according to a US official.
The ceasefire stipulates that Hezbollah will withdraw from the areas south of the Litani river, which runs nearly 30 km north of the Israeli border, and the Lebanese army will deploy its troops at this point and the Israeli ground troops will withdraw.
Hezbollah Chief Pledges To Coordinate With Army For Ceasefire Implementation
Hezbollah head Qassem vowed to coordinate closely with the Lebanese military to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire deal with Israel.
“Hezbollah had approved the deal, with the resistance strong in the battlefield, and our heads held high with our right to defend (ourselves),” Qassem said.
(With inputs from agencies)
- Location :
Beirut, Lebanon
