Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem addressed the ceasefire announced in Washington last night for the first time today (Thursday) - and sharply criticized the understandings that were reached.
In a written statement, Qassem said: "The result of the absurd, humiliating and shameful direct negotiations towards Lebanon is completely rejected by broad sections of the Lebanese people.".
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He said, "When the central goal of any agreement is the disarmament of the resistance, as a condition for any arrangement, this means eliminating Lebanon's source of power and an existential threat.".
The United States State Department announced tonight that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire - on the condition that Hezbollah cease fire and withdraw from the entire area south of the Litani River.
The announcement also stated that both sides agreed to promote the creation of "pilot zones," in which the Lebanese army would receive exclusive control over the area, while "excluding any non-state entity.".
The United States statement further stated: "Israel and Lebanon confirmed that they have no hostile intentions toward each other, and pledged to continue direct negotiations to build trust, resolve all outstanding issues - and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries.".
In addition, it was written that Israel and Lebanon will return to the negotiating table during the week of June 22 - "with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement.".
