German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon as a “ray of hope” for the entire region.
The German newspaper “Spiegel” reported, citing Baerbock, that this truce represents “a success for diplomacy and what can be achieved through it.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his country’s welcome of reaching a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, calling on all parties to implement it fully.
The Canadian Prime Ministry published Trudeau saying: “Canada welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which entered into force at 4:00 a.m. Jerusalem time.”
He stressed the necessity of this step to ensure stability and security in the region, thanking the United States and France for their efforts in achieving the agreement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would provide a measure of relief to civilians.
He added that immediate progress must be seen towards reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, releasing all hostages, and lifting restrictions on humanitarian access to the Strip.
For his part, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy affirmed Britain’s support for the role of UNIFIL forces in maintaining peace on the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon, while strengthening cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, and urged adherence to the ceasefire to pave the way for lasting peace.
- United Nations..
In an official statement, the United Nations Special Coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Plasschaert, welcomed the agreement, considering that ensuring the sustainability of its implementation in the long term requires “a lot of work.”
She said, “This detailed agreement represents the starting point for a decisive process aimed at ensuring the safety of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.”
- European Union..
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement and described it as “very encouraging news” that will strengthen internal security and stability in Lebanon thanks to restricting the influence of Lebanese factions.
She stressed that the agreement is welcomed “primarily for the Lebanese and Israeli peoples affected by the fighting.”
Iran welcomed the cessation of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said that Tehran “welcomes the news of the end of the Zionist entity’s aggression against Lebanon,” stressing the continued “firm Iranian support for the Lebanese government, people and resistance.”
Egypt expressed its welcome for the ceasefire to enter into force in a step that would contribute to the start of a phase of de-escalation in the region.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry explained that this will only be achieved through the full implementation of Security Council Resolution No. 1701 with all its elements, and enabling the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanon and extend its control over the entire Lebanese territory.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon should be a prelude to stopping the Israeli war on Gaza
The Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed the positive outcome of the ceasefire negotiations in Lebanon, hoping that this ceasefire will be permanent.
She added: “The international community should put pressure on Israel to literally adhere to the ceasefire and compensate for the damage it caused to Lebanon.”
Announcing the agreement between Lebanon and Israel..
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday evening the mini-ministerial council’s approval of a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and Lebanon.
This was followed by US President Joe Biden announcing that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire in what is the bloodiest conflict between the two sides.
The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel entered into force at four o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, more than a year after skirmishes turned into Israeli aggression and intense fighting.
Source: Novosti + RT
#Arab #international #ceasefire #agreement #Israel #Lebanon
How will the ceasefire impact the flow of humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Israel?
## Interview on the Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
**Host:** Joining us now is Dr. Sarah Cohen, Middle East expert from the International Relations Institute. Dr. Cohen, a ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hezbollah. International leaders have been quick to react. What are your initial thoughts on the agreement?
**Dr. Cohen:** I think the international community’s response is telling. This ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, is being hailed as a crucial step towards peace and stability in a very volatile region. From German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calling it a “ray of hope” [1] to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing its relief for civilians, the initial reaction is overwhelmingly positive.
**Host:** You mentioned the relief for civilians. What impact do you expect this ceasefire to have on the ground in Lebanon and Israel?
**Dr. Cohen:** We can hope for an immediate de-escalation of violence and a reduction in casualties. This is critically important, especially considering the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ceasefire also allows humanitarian aid to reach those who desperately need it.
**Host:**
Several leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau [1] and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have praised the efforts of UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces. What role do you see these actors playing in ensuring the ceasefire holds?
**Dr. Cohen:** UNIFIL has a long history of maintaining the fragile peace along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Their presence is crucial for monitoring the ceasefire and preventing any violations. The Lebanese Armed Forces also have a key role to play in maintaining security on their side of the border.
**Host:** Looking ahead, what are the challenges to maintaining this ceasefire and potentially building upon it?
**Dr. Cohen:** While this ceasefire is a significant achievement, it’s just the first step. We need to see sustained commitment from all sides. There are deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed through dialog and negotiation. The international community must remain actively engaged in supporting these efforts.
Ultimately, the success of this ceasefire will depend on the willingness of all parties to prioritize peace and stability over conflict.
**Host:** Dr. Cohen, thank you for your insightful analysis.
**[1]: https://www.npr.org/2024/11/28/g-s1-36146/israel-hezbollah-lebanon-ceasefire-middle-east-crisis**