Israeli withdrawal marks crucial step in Lebanon's ceasefire

Israeli forces have left Al-Khiam, the first town in southern Lebanon, as per the ceasefire agreement. This information was reported by the Beirut portal "L'Orient le Jour."

According to the agreement, the Israeli army is to withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days from November 27. In the south of the country, previously controlled by Hezbollah, peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army are to be deployed.

The head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Gen. Erik Kurilla, emphasized that the withdrawal of Israeli forces is an "an important first step in the implementation of a lasting cessation of hostilities," which laid the "foundation for continued progress."

The Israeli army announced on social media that it has "concluded their mission in Khiam in southern Lebanon" and "in accordance with the ceasefire understandings and with the coordination of the United States, soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces are being deployed in the area together with UNIFIL."

The ceasefire ended a conflict of over two months between Hezbollah and Israel. The conflict began in October 2023 when the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah started shelling Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas, which was fighting the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. This information comes from the BBC.