Almost 14 months (418 days) after the attack on Israel, Hamas is ready for a ceasefire, as is Hezbollah. A senior Hamas official said that we have informed the mediators of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a serious agreement on a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanese citizens started returning from northern Lebanon to southern Lebanon following a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. This armistice was brokered by America and France.
Since the pager and walkie-talkie explosions nearly 70 days ago in September, the Israeli military has been steadily attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and 3,823 Lebanese civilians were killed and 15,859 wounded in the attacks.
Hamas wants the release of 1,000 of its fighters in exchange for 100 Israeli hostages. Sources on the terms of the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel say that Hamas is pushing for the release of 1,000 Palestinians and Hamas fighters in exchange for the release of about 100 Israeli hostages. Hamas took 254 Israelis hostage after the October 7, 2023 attack. 154 Israeli hostages have been released after the first round of talks. But, 100 people are still in the captivity of Hamas.
The security minister said – the release of the killers of Israelis is not acceptable
Israel's right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The families of the hostages rejoiced after Hamas' announcement, but right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said he would not approve any deal that would include the mass release of 1,000 Sinwars in exchange for the hostages. Gavir said that all possible efforts will be made to free the Israeli hostages, but the release of those who killed Israel is not acceptable.
After the ceasefire, the Lebanese began to return home, having fled 2 months earlier Hours after a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel began on Wednesday, people from northern Lebanon have started returning to southern Lebanon. Thousands of families fled their homes and sought refuge in southern Lebanon following a deadly Israeli missile attack on September 23.
According to the Times of Israel, hundreds of people were seen in Beirut on Wednesday morning returning to the cities of Sidon, Ghaziyah and Tire on bikes and vehicles. People were returning to the city carrying Hezbollah flags and photos of the slain leader Nasrallah.
The Lebanese army has warned people not to return home until Israeli forces withdraw. The army has asked people to avoid going to areas where Israeli forces are still present.
Conditional ceasefire: Hezbollah forces will withdraw 40 km The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire includes several conditions. According to him, there will be a 60-day ceasefire between the two sides to stop hostilities. Hezbollah will withdraw its forces 40 km from the Blue Line (Israel-Lebanon border), while Israeli troops will withdraw completely from Lebanese territory. United Nations peacekeeping forces will replace Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The ceasefire will be followed by an international committee under American leadership. However, if Hezbollah breaks the deal, Israel will retaliate.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
