The Guardian view on the Lebanon ceasefire: a lasting regional peace must go through Gaza | Editorial

The US-brokered agreement is a breakthrough for suffering civilians. But a deal on Netanyahu's terms offers scant hope to Palestinians

Unsurprisingly, Joe Biden struck an upbeat, optimistic note on Tuesday as he announced a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. It reminds us that peace is possible," said Mr Biden, as the deal brought to an end the 14-month conflict, during which close to 4,000 people lost their lives andhundreds of thousands were displaced.

For the outgoing American president, who hassignally failed to restrain Israel's excesses aftertheheinous Hamas massacre of 7 October 2023, the agreement amounts to a valedictory breakthroughafter months of weak and ineffective diplomacy. More importantly, it affords the suffering people of Lebanon some respite, after a bombing campaign and ground invasion that paid scant regardto the appalling impact on civilian lives. For the 60,000 citizens of Israel forced to flee the country's northern border region by Hezbollah rockets, there is the prospect of a return home after spending morethan a year in displacement camps.