Israel, Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire, according to a joint statement with the US released by the State Department on Wednesday, June 3, following negotiations in Washington.

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire by the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector, according to the statement. The two sides agreed last month to a ceasefire, but hostilities continued.

Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah, which fired across the border in support of Tehran.

Iran has said it will not agree to a deal to end the conflict with the US unless a ceasefire also covers Lebanon.

Lebanon and Israel agreed to further direct negotiations to build confidence and resolve other outstanding issues, the statement said on Wednesday. – Rappler.com