UN welcomes extension of Lebanon-Israel ceasefire

In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General commended the United States’ role in facilitating the extension and affirmed the United Nations’ support for all efforts to end hostilities and alleviate the suffering of communities on both sides of the Blue Line.

Guterres called on all parties to fully adhere to the cessation of hostilities, to halt further attacks, and to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times.

He also renewed his call for all non-state actors to comply with the Lebanese government's decisions to extend its authority across its entire territory and to strengthen the state's exclusive control over arms.

He further called on Israel to fully withdraw from north of the Blue Line in a manner that respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for all diplomatic efforts to reinforce the cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006.

Guterres expressed hope that this agreement would contribute to ongoing efforts to achieve lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.