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Israel has begun a ceasefire in Lebanon after an all-out war with the Hezbollah amid global calls for peace in the Middle East. But fighting will continue in Gaza, where Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian Hamas group.
The Israeli cabinet approved the ceasefire deal - brokered by the US and France - last evening by a vote of 10-1. Announcing the "good news", US President Joe Biden said the ceasefire would take effect from 4 am (7:30 am IST) and that it was a "new start" for Lebanon.
During the ceasefire, firing will stop from both sides, an official said. However, any violation by Hezbollah would see a forceful retaliation from Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added.
"We will complete the task of obliterating Hamas, we will bring home all of our hostages, we will ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel and we will return the residents of the north back home safely," the Prime Minister said.
As part of the truce, Lebanese forces will begin their deployment towards the south over a 60-day period, during which Israel will have a phased withdrawal from Lebanese territory, an official said. The deal also requires Hezbollah to retreat from the southern border and move up the Litani River.
The ceasefire announcement followed the day of the heaviest Israeli raid in Beirut since September. Even early Wednesday morning, less than an hour before the ceasefire began, air strikes hit south Beirut - about two hours after the Israeli army ordered an evacuation.
War has been raging across the Middle East with Israel fighting the Hamas in Gaza and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Israel and Iran have also exchanged fire over their support to these groups.