World leaders react to Lebanon war ceasefire Paris, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2024 World leaders have welcomed a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which came into force on Wednesday morning (0200 GMT).
"The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating from Lebanon," the leaders said in a joint statement. The United States and France will work "to ensure this arrangement is fully implemented" and lead international efforts for "capacity-building" of the Lebanese army, they added. Biden welcomed the deal as "good news" and also said the US would lead a fresh effort to secure a truce between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Macron said the Lebanon ceasefire should "open the path" for an ending to the war in Gaza.
He told Biden in a call that he appreciated the US leader's "understanding that Israel will maintain its freedom of action in enforcing it", according to Netanyahu's office. Ahead of Israel's approval of the deal, Netanyahu said the "length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon" and the truce would allow Israel to "intensify" pressure on Hamas and focus on the "Iranian threat".
Thanking France and the US for their involvement, Mikati also reiterated his government's commitment to "strengthen the army's presence in the south".
"Welcoming the news" of the end of Israel's "aggression against Lebanon", foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, stressing Iran's "firm support for the Lebanese government, nation and resistance".
"We support all efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace and welcome the agreement reached by relevant parties on a ceasefire," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
"People on both sides of the border want to live in genuine and lasting security," Baerbock said, calling the deal "a success for diplomacy".
Calling for the truce to be "turned into a lasting political solution in Lebanon", Starmer vowed to be at the "forefront of efforts to break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East".
The announcement was welcome news "first and foremost for the Lebanese and Israeli people affected by the fighting", Von der Leyen said. "Lebanon will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah's reduced influence," she said.
"Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required," said UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. burs-sco/rsc |
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