New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and hoped the developments would lead to peace and stability in the wider region.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has always called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.

“We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region,” the statement said.

India’s statement came as US President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire deal to end 13 months of fighting between Israel with Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia supported by Iran.

In a joint statement, the US and France said the agreement would cease fighting in Lebanon and “secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations”.

US President Joe Biden told reporters that the agreement was “designed to be a permanent ceasefire”.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, over a span of 60 days Hezbollah will remove its fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line – the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel – and the Litani river, about 30km (20 miles) to the north.

Hezbollah fighters will be replaced by Lebanese army forces in that area, who will ensure that infrastructure or weaponry is removed and that it cannot be rebuilt, according to a senior US official.

Over the same 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces and civilians, Biden said, adding that it would enable civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

UNI