RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Saudi foreign ministry in a statement hoped that this would lead to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and to maintaining the sovereignty, security and stability of Lebanon and the return of those displaced to their homes.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday at 4:00 a.m. local time.
US President Joe Biden has said that the deal involves Israeli forces withdrawing from Lebanon over 60 days, with the Lebanese army taking control of territory in the south of the country.
Lebanon says that Israel’s attacks have killed over 3,800 people, most of them civilians. The UN estimates that they have further displaced over 900,000 people.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that the agreement can help to an end to the violence, destruction and suffering of the people.
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to fully respect and swiftly implement all of their commitments made under this agreement,” the statement noted.
He also urged the parties to undertake immediate steps towards the complete implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
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The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called the agreement a pivotal moment to restore safety and security for people on both sides.
Qatar welcoming the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah hoped the deal would lead to a truce in Gaza, where it has been a key mediator.
“The State of Qatar welcomes the ceasefire agreement in the Lebanese Republic and expresses its hope that it will lead to a similar agreement to halt the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and the Israeli assaults on the occupied West Bank,” Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Turkish foreign ministry in a statement said it hopes the truce will be permanent and added that the international community must pressure Israel into implementing it.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry welcoming the ceasefire stressed for urgent measures to save Gaza amid ongoing Israeli violence. The ministry in a statement, expressed hope that the agreement would help end the violence, destruction, and suffering faced by the people of Lebanon.
China has also welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah stressing similar steps for a truce in Gaza which has been under Israeli bombardment for more than a year.
“Beijing supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace, and welcomes the relevant parties reaching an agreement on a cease-fire,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. “Ukraine welcomes the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by the United States and France,” the statement reads.
