Hezbollah chief declares victory

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has declared victory.

He announced the victory in his first speech since the ceasefire with Israel came into effect.

According to media reports, the Hezbollah chief said - this (ceasefire) is our victory. This is a much bigger victory than in 2006.

He said that he had intended to give the speech on the day of the ceasefire. However, he delayed it to see what was actually going to happen and how the people would take it. In his speech, he maintained caution about violating the ceasefire agreement.

According to the report, Israel continued to violate the agreement on the third day of the ceasefire. They have started shooting Lebanese citizens and launched Marakova tank attacks in rural areas.

In his speech, he said that his party will play a role in Lebanon's political life - political, social, economic.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a ceasefire at midnight on Wednesday. The initial 60-day ceasefire has been announced, which can be extended later.

Netanyahu said that the security cabinet has agreed to the ceasefire agreement. He warned that if Hezbollah violates the terms of the agreement, Israel will take immediate and severe measures against them.

According to the agreement, Israel will withdraw all its troops from Lebanon within the next 60 days. On the other hand, Hezbollah will withdraw from the border and move to the other side of the Litani River. In addition, they will not be able to build any new infrastructure or re-equip themselves with weapons. Source: Al Jazeera