UN chief sees Lebanon ceasefire as first ray of hope
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is “the first ray of hope” in the regional conflict after months of escalation.
“It is essential that those who signed the ceasefire commitment respect it in full,” he said in a short televised statement during a visit to his hometown, Lisbon, adding that the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon was ready to monitor the ceasefire.
He also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“I received an auspicious sign yesterday, the first ray of hope for peace amid the darkness of the past months,” he said, referring to the agreement. “It is a moment of great importance, especially for civilians who were paying an enormous price of this spreading conflict.”
ICRC welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon, urges civilian protection
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says the ceasefire must be upheld “on all levels of command” to ensure respite for affected civilians. In a statement, it said the agreement must also facilitate the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
“Whilst the agreement brings a glimmer of hope, the region remains tense and the humanitarian situation in Gaza unacceptable,” ICRC added.
📍 Israel - Lebanon | We are encouraged that a ceasefire has been agreed that would end the fighting and help bring some hope and stability to a region exhausted by conflict.
Civilians must be protected, always.
News release: https://t.co/8sB2u3yGT5 pic.twitter.com/9FZtinxz0B
— ICRC (@ICRC) November 27, 2024
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