Lebanon says Hezbollah agrees reciprocal halt to attacks on Israeli targets
The Lebanese government has said Hezbollah has agreed to halt attacks on Israeli targets under reciprocal terms. Beirut's communication indicates the pause is tied to Israel ending its operations in southern Lebanon. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed monitoring protocols would come into effect on Monday morning.
BBC Middle EastA statement from the Lebanese prime minister's office said Hezbollah has agreed to halt attacks on Israeli targets under reciprocal terms. According to BBC Middle East, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the pause was 'conditional on Israel simultaneously ending its operations in southern Lebanon'.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a speech on Al-Manar television that 'we support the principle of reciprocity for the protection of the Lebanese people and the re-establishment of sovereignty'. Israeli presidential spokesperson Avi Hyman said in an initial response that 'we are in the assessment phase and technical talks with UNIFIL are continuing'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement issued in Beirut that he 'supports the step toward de-escalation'.
UN Interim Force in Lebanon commander Aroldo Lazaro Saenz confirmed monitoring protocols would come into effect at 06:00 on Monday morning. International Crisis Group Middle East analyst Heiko Wimmen commented that 'this soft corridor will remain fragile until it rests on a political foundation'. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas called for an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on Monday. This report does not constitute investment advice.
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