UN chief sees Lebanon ceasefire as first ray of hope in Mideast conflict

Militarily, for Israel, it is a strategic advantage, allowing it to concentrate military efforts exclusively on Gaza without fearing a northern front escalation. Let's not hope for this,

said Abdul Wahed

The secretary-general urges the parties to fully respect and swiftly implement all of their commitments made under this agreement … to undertake immediate steps toward the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006)."

In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said

Daniel Bymanterrorism expert

There is genuine hope that the ceasefire deal will last, although many question marks remain,

wrote Daniel Byman, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service

Now I think the political and geopolitical stars are both aligned and we’re going to see what we can do over the next 50, whatever days it is,

the official said

Aaron David Millerauthor

An Israeli-Hezbollah ceasefire would be a significant and welcome success,

wrote Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former US diplomat

After October 7, Israel is far less trusting of deterrence and more of a believer in keeping its enemies weak,

he wrote

Irony of ironies it might well fall apart on Trump’s watch,

he added

I have set out my position very clearly in relation to the sale of capability to Israel to defend itself against attacks, such as those from Iran, and I am very clear that we will continue to do so.”

But challenged by SNP MP Brendan O’Hara on what he called the UK’s “morally repugnant” arms sales to Israel, Sir Keir said

A huge international effort will be needed if this agreement is to endure. If it works, it could bring long awaited relief for many and potentially a pathway to sustainable peace…. The key to a sustainable end to the conflict in Gaza remains the release of the hostages. Hamas should release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.”

She added

We strongly urge all parties to use this agreement to open a pathway to a lasting peace.” ... We must seize this moment. It must be a turning point that builds momentum towards a lasting peace across the Middle East. In Gaza, we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all the hostages and an end to Israeli restrictions on aid. The intolerable suffering must end.”

He added

We must seize this opportunity to build trust, de-escalate tensions and push for a wider ceasefire.”

He told MPs

Even its imperfect implementation in 2006 brought over 16 years of relative peace and stability. Both sides are ready for that."

Resolution 1701 was often criticized, Abercrombie-Winstanley pointed out

To get around the issue, media reports had suggested that the US would issue a letter supporting Israel's right to act,

the BBC reported

We hope that this step will contribute to stopping the violence and instability that the region is suffering from,

the Palestinian presidency said in a statement, highlighting the need to enforce a UN resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip

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

Mao Ning (diplomat)foreign ministry spokeswoman

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

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 are happy because we will return to our country and homeland in the south,

Hala Saeed, a Lebanese woman displaced from her home, told The Associated Press

Our joy is very great,

Kamal al-Haj Ali, another displaced resident, told the AP

President Biden intends to begin that work today by having his envoys engage with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and other actors in the region,

he said