White House announces extension of Lebanon-'Israel' ceasefire deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: White House
27 Jan 2025 00:26

The White House has announced that Lebanon and "Israel" will begin mediated talks for the release of Lebanese citizens detained by "Israel".

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Destroyed buildings in an area of the village of May s al-Jabal in southern Lebanon, located near the border with occupied Palestine, as seen on January 26, 2025. (AP)

The White House released a statement announcing the extension of the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel" until February 18 this year.

"The arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025," a White House press release read.

Moreover, Washington announced that the Lebanese government would begin negotiations, mediated by the United States, with "Israel". This round of the talks will be concerned with the release of Lebanese citizens detained by the Israeli occupation following October 7, 2023.

"The Government of Lebanon, the Government of Israel, and the Government of the United States will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023," the White House stated.

Later, the office of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that the arrangement will remain in effect until February 18. Mikati's office said the prime minister discussed the latest developments in the South and the results of talks with United States officials with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and President Joseph Aoun.

Originally, the ceasefire agreement had been scheduled to end on January 26, 2025, at exactly 4:00 am (local time). The deal should have seen the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from southern Lebanon by the aforementioned date.

However, Israeli occupation forces partially withdrew from some areas in southern Lebanon, while continuously violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement, by raiding, bombing, and demolishing areas in southern Lebanon and elsewhere in the country.

Meanwhile, Lebanese residents were quick to mobilize and gather near the villages, in an attempt to force the withdrawal of occupation forces from their hometowns, following the expiration of the time limit for retreat.

As a result, occupation forces withdrew from multiple villages after both Lebanese citizens and the Lebanese Army entered the towns. Yet, Israeli forces continue to occupy several towns, under the false pretext of a slow takeover of the villages by the Lebanese Army.