New York, April 16 (NationPress) - On Thursday, US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon to facilitate a temporary de-escalation in the ongoing Iran conflict. Following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, it was agreed that a 10-day ceasefire would commence at 5 p.m. Washington time (2:30 a.m. Friday in India).

This ceasefire aims to halt the hostilities that intensified when Israel launched a campaign against the Hezbollah group, which is aligned with Iran.

While Lebanon is not officially at war with Israel, Hezbollah has significant control over southern Lebanon and has conducted multiple attacks against Israel, leading to retaliatory operations.

Lebanon has faced considerable consequences due to its inability to control Hezbollah, suffering extensive damage from Israeli airstrikes.

The sustainability of this ceasefire hinges on Hezbollah's decision to refrain from further aggression.

Although Hezbollah is not a signatory to the ceasefire, reports suggest that the group may consider pausing attacks if Israel exhibits restraint.

In related news, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed support for the ceasefire, stating via social media, "A ceasefire in Lebanon is equally vital as one in Iran."

Hezbollah had escalated its military actions against Israel as the Iran conflict intensified.

This ceasefire announcement followed a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

This meeting marked the first direct diplomatic interaction between Israel and Lebanon since the 1980s, following Israel's significant military intervention in Lebanon.

Previously, when a 14-day ceasefire between Iran and the US was declared on April 7, there was ambiguity regarding Lebanon's involvement. Pakistan suggested it was included, but both the US and Israel clarified that Lebanon was not part of that agreement.

Trump stated on Truth Social that he has tasked Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan 'Razin' Caine, to collaborate with Israel and Lebanon towards achieving enduring peace.

He also extended an invitation to Netanyahu and Aoun to convene at the White House to discuss a more comprehensive peace strategy.

According to Lebanese officials, over 2,000 individuals have lost their lives and more than a million have been displaced due to Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah.

The strikes have even reached the capital, Beirut.

There are currently 642 Indian personnel serving in the UN peacekeeping force stationed in southern Lebanon, along the Israeli border.

UN peacekeepers have faced fire from both factions during the ongoing conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire, as stated by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

He remarked, "The United Nations, through its political and peacekeeping missions, is prepared to assist in these endeavors." He urged both parties to strive for a permanent ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict.