Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Wednesday it had achieved "victory" over Israel and that its fighters were at the ready, in its first statement since a truce between the two sides took effect.
"Victory from God almighty was the ally of the righteous cause," the statement from the Iran-backed group said.
Hezbollah fighters "will remain in total readiness to deal with the Israeli enemy's ambitions and its attacks", the statement added, without directly mentioning the truce or its terms.
Israel launched a bombing campaign targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon on September 23 and later sent in ground troops, after more than a year of cross-border exchanges of fire begun by the Iran-backed group over the Gaza war.
Israel dealt Hezbollah heavy blows during the conflict, including killing longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior officials.
The Hezbollah statement said Israeli forces failed in their "attempts... to occupy and set up in any of the towns", to prevent Hezbollah's cross-border attacks or to "establish a military and security buffer zone as the enemy had hoped".
It said Hezbollah fighters targeted Israel "until the last day of the aggression".
The truce deal requires Hezbollah to pull back north of the Litani River, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border with Israel, and dismantle its military infrastructure in south Lebanon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) commended the efforts of the United States in reaching this agreement, highlighting it as a significant step to prevent further suffering of the Lebanese people.
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement and implementation of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, and expressed hope that this agreement will lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) commended the efforts of the United States in reaching this agreement, highlighting it as a significant step to prevent further suffering of the Lebanese people.
Furthermore, the Ministry affirmed the UAE's steadfast position and unwavering support to Lebanon, its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the restoration of its position at the Arab, regional and international level.
The Ministry further expressed hope that the agreement would lead to the full implementation of Resolution 1701, to restore peace and security for civilians, de-escalate tensions, and initiate diplomatic dialogue to restore security, and safety to achieve the interests of the region's peoples and fulfil their aspirations of stability, prosperity, and peace.
Source: Gulf News
BDST: 1150 HRS, NOV 28, 2024
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