Lebanon deal spurs W Asia peace hopes

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah began on Wednesday, with thousands of residents streaming back to their battered homes after the two sides struck a deal brokered by the United States and France, a rare feat of diplomacy in a region wracked by two wars and several proxy conflicts for over a year.

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Meanwhile, US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday that President Joe Biden will launch a renewed drive for a Gaza ceasefire, along with a hostage release deal. The Israel-Hezbollah deal was a rare boost for Biden as he prepares to leave the White House and hand over office to Donald Trump on January 20.

The truce, which began before dawn on Wednesday, in the south Lebanon war means Iran-backed Hezbollah is no longer fighting in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. That will increase pressure on the militant Palestinian group to agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal, Sullivan told MSNBC.

Announcing the ceasefire, Biden spoke at the White House. on Tuesday shortly after Israel's security cabinet approved the agreement in a 10-1 vote. "This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities," Biden said. "What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again."

Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days as Lebanon's army takes control of territory near its border with Israel to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there after a costly war, Biden said.

On Wednesday, residents in cars heaped with belongings travelled back towards southern Lebanon despite warnings from Israeli and Lebanese troops that they stay away from certain areas.