On Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November, European leaders welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which came into force at 4am on the 27th after almost 14 months of conflict.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the announcement as “very encouraging news, first and foremost for the Lebanese and Israeli people affected by the fighting”. According to her, “Lebanon will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah’s reduced influence”.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, described the ceasefire as a “necessary step towards de-escalating tensions in the Middle East”. “Swift implementation must ensure the safety of Lebanese and Israeli citizens”, he stressed.
“The agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon is a relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East. It is now crucial that the ceasefire is maintained, to guarantee the safety of Lebanese and Israeli citizens and the return of internally displaced persons” - more than 300,000 Lebanese and 70,000 Israelis - stressed the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, welcoming the role of France and the United States as mediators.
Mr Michel and Mr Borrell reiterated the need for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Under the agreement, within 60 days, the Lebanese army and security forces will regain control of the territory and Israel will withdraw its forces.
On Wednesday, Hamas said it was “ready” for a truce in Gaza. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)