Israeli forces exit Al‑Khiam as Lebanese army takes control
Israeli forces have withdrawn from Al-Khiam in southern Lebanon, and the city has been taken over by the Lebanese army, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. "An important first step," stated the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Gen. Erik Kurilla.
12 December 2024 16:11
Israeli forces have left Al-Khiam, the first town in southern Lebanon, which aligns with 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 starting from 27th November. In the south of the country, previously controlled by Hezbollah, peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army are to be deployed.
Lebanon. ceasefire agreement
The head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Gen. Erik Kurilla, emphasised that the withdrawal of Israeli troops is "an important first step in the implementation of a lasting cessation of hostilities," which laid the "foundation for continued progress."
The Israeli military 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 Hezbollah started shelling Israel in a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas, which was fighting the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. This information comes from the BBC.