ওWorld leaders have welcomed a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which came into force early Wednesday.
💞The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday, as the world watched closely to see its results. Under the new agreement, there will be an initial two-month pause in hostilities. Hezbollah is required to withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border.
😼The plan also involves deploying thousands of additional Lebanese troops alongside UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. An international panel, led by the United States, will oversee compliance. The United States and France brokered the agreement.
💜Hostilities began on October 8, 2023, when Lebanon launched strikes on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Cross-border attacks continued for months, culminating in Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon at the start of last month. At least 3,768 Lebanese have been killed and 15,699 wounded since the war began. The ceasefire does not address the ongoing war on Gaza, where Israeli actions have killed more than 44,000 people.
Also Read | The Only Pressure That May Work On Netanyahu
In a joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron 𓄧said, “The announcement today will cease the fighting in Lebanon and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations operating from Lebanon.”
꧅They added that it “will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”
Here are more reactions from around the world:
Israel
🦹Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for his "involvement in securing the ceasefire agreement." Netanyahu’s office stated that during a call, he expressed appreciation for Biden’s “understanding that Israel will maintain its freedom of action in enforcing it.”
💫Before Israel approved the deal, Netanyahu remarked that the “length of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon.” He also said the truce would allow Israel to “intensify pressure on Hamas” and focus on the “Iranian threat.”
Lebanon
༒Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the ceasefire a “fundamental step” toward restoring regional stability. He thanked France and the United States for their involvement and reiterated his government’s commitment to “strengthen the army’s presence in the south.”
India
▨In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the decision echoed India's stance of de-escalation in the region. "We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region," the statement said.
United Nations
༺The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, expressing hope that it would end the violence and suffering in both countries, according to a statement from the UN spokesman.
💞Guterres urged both Israel and Hezbollah to swiftly implement all commitments under the agreement. He also called for immediate steps toward fully implementing the 2006 UN Security Council resolution that ended the previous Israel-Hezbollah war, the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said late Tuesday.
Canada
🐬Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the ceasefire a “much-needed step toward stability and security in the region.” He thanked the United States and France for their efforts in achieving the agreement. Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to defending Israel’s right to exist in peace and security.
European Union
𝔍EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the ceasefire as “very encouraging news.” She stated on X that the agreement was welcomed news “first and foremost for the Lebanese and Israeli people affected by the fighting.” Von der Leyen also noted the ceasefire would enhance Lebanon’s “internal security and stability” and reduce Hezbollah’s influence.