Watch view of Lebanon’s border with Israel as Hezbollah ceasefire to take effect ‘in coming hours’

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Watch a view of the Lebanon and Israel border as a ceasefire is expected to take effect “in the coming hours”.

Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati has expressed hope that a ceasefire could be reached soon to end fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah that has shaken his country and raised fears of a ground invasion.

The United States, France and several allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border while also expressing support for a ceasefire in Gaza following intense discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday 25 September.

Mr Mikati welcomed the call for a truce but said the key to its implementation is whether Israel, which has been moving troops closer to Lebanon, is committed to enforcing international resolutions.

Lebanon’s caretaker administration includes ministers chosen by Hezbollah, widely seen as the country’s most powerful political force.

The ceasefire would apply to the Israel-Lebanon “Blue Line” - the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, and would allow the parties to negotiate towards a potential diplomatic resolution of the conflict, a senior Biden administration official said.