The world breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday as a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah came into effect at 0200 GMT.
The truce has been met with widespread international acclaim, with leaders expressing hope for a more stable and peaceful Middle East. Hereโs a roundup of reactions from around the globe:
United States and France: A Joint Commitment to Peace
US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly hailed the ceasefire as a critical milestone for ensuring Israelโs security against the Iran-backed Hezbollah and fostering conditions for lasting peace.
“This agreement halts the fighting in Lebanon and shields Israel from the threat of terrorist organizations,” the leaders stated, pledging to work closely to implement the truce. They also committed to strengthening the Lebanese army through international capacity-building efforts.
Biden called the deal โgood newsโ and announced a renewed push for a truce in Gaza.
Macron echoed this sentiment, envisioning the Lebanon ceasefire as a pathway to ending the conflict in Gaza.
Israel: Guarded Optimism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his gratitude to President Biden for his pivotal role in brokering the agreement.
Netanyahu emphasized Israelโs right to act freely to enforce the deal and highlighted the truce as an opportunity to escalate pressure on Hamas and counter Iranโs regional ambitions.
“The ceasefireโs duration depends on developments in Lebanon,” Netanyahu stated, framing the deal as a step toward broader security objectives.
Lebanon: A Call for Stability
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati lauded the truce as a โfundamental stepโ toward stabilizing the region.
Acknowledging the diplomatic efforts of France and the US, Mikati reiterated Lebanonโs commitment to bolstering its armyโs presence in the south.
Iran: A Victory for Resistance
Iran, a staunch supporter of both Hezbollah and Hamas, celebrated the cessation of what it called Israeli โaggressionโ against Lebanon.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirmed Iranโs unwavering support for Lebanonโs government, people, and resistance movements.
Germany: A Beacon of Hope
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the deal as โa ray of hopeโ for the region.
“People on both sides of the border deserve genuine and lasting security,” she emphasized, crediting diplomacy for achieving this breakthrough.
United Kingdom: A Plea for Lasting Peace
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the โlong overdueโ ceasefire, acknowledging its potential to provide relief to civilians in both nations.
He underscored the need to transform the truce into a durable political resolution, committing Britain to active peace-building efforts in the Middle East.
European Union: Encouraging Progress
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism, calling the ceasefire โvery encouraging newsโ for Lebanese and Israeli civilians alike.
She highlighted its potential to enhance Lebanonโs internal stability by reducing Hezbollahโs influence.
United Nations: A Challenge Ahead
The United Nations greeted the agreement with cautious optimism.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, stressed that โconsiderable work lies aheadโ to ensure the dealโs full implementation.
“Both parties must demonstrate unwavering commitment,” she urged.
A Turning Point for the Region?
While the ceasefire brings a welcome pause to hostilities, its longevity and impact remain uncertain.
As global leaders rally behind the truce, the focus shifts to ensuring its success and addressing the deeper issues fueling conflict in the region.
