In a statement released later Wednesday, Hamas said, "the enemy's acceptance of the agreement with Lebanon without achieving its preconditions marks a significant milestone in shattering (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's illusions of reshaping the Middle East through force".

 

 

The group also praised the "pivotal" role of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

 

 

In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Authority expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring stability to the region, especially in war-torn Gaza.

 

 

"We hope that this step will contribute to stopping the violence and instability that the region is suffering from," the Palestinian presidency said in a statement, highlighting the need to enforce a UN resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

 

Violence in the West Bank-occupied by Israel since 1967-has surged since the Gaza war erupted after Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023.

 

 

Notably, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect today after more than a year of fighting that has killed thousands of people.

 

 

US President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his ministers had agreed to a halt.

The United States is Israel's key ally and military backer, and Biden hailed the deal as "good news" and a "new start" for Lebanon. 

 

Netanyahu thanked Biden for his involvement in brokering the deal and said it would allow Israel to focus on Hamas in Gaza and Iran.

 

Under the terms of the Lebanon truce, Israel will maintain "full" freedom to act against Hezbollah if it poses any new threat, Netanyahu said.

 

However, a truce in Lebanon, Netanyahu said, will permit Israel to redirect its focus on Gaza, "When Hezbollah is out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the fight. Our pressure on it will intensify."