UN Secretary-General Welcomes Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which came into force at midnight on Thursday. He also called on all parties to the conflict to respect it fully.

Guterres stressed that the cessation of fighting was an important step toward stabilizing the situation in the region. “I call on all actors to fully respect it,” he said.

The UN chief said the ceasefire could create space for further diplomatic efforts. He expressed hope that it would “pave the way for negotiations”.

The UN secretary general’s statement comes at a time of continuing tensions in the Middle East and efforts by the international community to defuse them.

(guardian, bak)