UPDATE 2 - World hails Israel-Lebanon cease-fire deal as 'relief' for region

UPDATES WITH MORE GLOBAL REACTIONS, CHANGES HEAD

By Aysu Bicer and Necva Tastan

LONDON (AA) — EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday welcomed a recently brokered cease-fire in Lebanon, describing it as a "relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East."

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Borrell commended France and the US for their mediation efforts in securing the agreement.

"The agreement on a cease-fire in Lebanon is a relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East. I want to praise France and the US for their mediation," he wrote.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring the cease-fire's durability to protect the lives of citizens in Lebanon and Israel and to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced people.

"It is now crucial that the cease-fire holds," he added.

Borrell underscored the critical need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (UNSCR 1701), which outlines measures for maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border.

In a pointed appeal to Lebanon’s political leaders, he reiterated the EU’s call for the election of a president, stressing the urgency of addressing the country’s prolonged political paralysis.

He further highlighted the right of the Lebanese people to "regain full sovereignty on the country’s affairs, without external interference," signaling Europe’s concern over foreign influence in Lebanon’s domestic politics.

- Other global reactions

The US and French presidents, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, issued a joint statement.

"Today, after many weeks of tireless diplomacy, Israel and Lebanon have accepted a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon," the statement said.

"This announcement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line," it said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement of a cease-fire between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group, calling for the deal to be turned into "a lasting political solution."

"We must see immediate progress towards a cease-fire deal in Gaza, the release of all hostages and the removal of restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid," he added.

Ireland’s Foreign Minister Michael Martin said in a statement: "I welcome the announcement of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both sides must use the cease-fire to engage meaningfully to achieve a durable peace."

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib also took to X, saying "the cease-fire agreement in Lebanon is a crucial step towards stopping the escalation in the Middle East. We call for a cease-fire in the whole region, including Gaza. Only resuming negotiations for a 2-state solution can bring peace. Civilians must be protected."

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said: "I welcome important cease-fire announcement. I’m also hopeful for a cease-fire in Gaza, with release of all hostages & an end to the tremendous suffering of the inhabitants."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also said in a statement that the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah "is a ray of hope for the entire region."

"The cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah shows what is possible with diplomatic means: We also urgently need a cease-fire in Gaza now so that the German and all other hostages are finally released and the suffering and hunger of hundreds of thousands of women, children and men finally comes to an end," she added.

Following his joint statement with Biden, French President Macron expressed his approval of the cease-fire in a separate message, highlighting the agreement as the outcome of extensive diplomatic efforts spanning several months.

"It constitutes the culmination of efforts undertaken over many months with the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, in close coordination with the United States and under the impetus of President Joe Biden,” he said.

Macron emphasized the need for the cease-fire to be upheld to ensure the safety of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians, as well as to facilitate the safe return of displaced populations.

“The conditions for lasting peace are well-known and are framed by existing United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, which this agreement strongly reaffirms,” Macron noted.

He urged all parties to use this opportunity to help rebuild Lebanon. “This agreement must open a new chapter for Lebanon. The cessation of hostilities offers an opportunity for the Lebanese to engage, with the support of their partners, in the sustainable recovery of the country,” he added.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also took to X, saying the announcement of a cease-fire in Lebanon is good news for peace and security.

"Now, we must move forward with the implementation of Resolution 1701," he added.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said: "This is a vital step towards ending hostilities and regional de-escalation."

Sweden also extended its support for the agreement while calling for broader initiatives in Gaza.

“Very positive news that a ceasefire agreement has been announced between Israel and Hezbollah. Civilians on both sides have suffered for a long time,” Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard said on X.

She reiterated Sweden’s appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza, stressing that it would be vital “to improve the humanitarian situation, secure the release of all hostages, and to restart serious efforts toward a two-state solution.”

Austria also voiced its support for the agreement.

"We welcome the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and call on all parties to adhere to it. This will finally allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes," the Austrian Foreign Ministry said on X.

Vienna praised the efforts of the US and France, reaffirming its commitment to the peacekeeping UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), saying, "Austria will continue its engagement in UNIFIL."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said "the announced cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah is very encouraging news. Lebanon will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah’s reduced influence."

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also praised the agreement, acknowledging the heavy burden the recent hostilities have placed on Lebanon's healthcare system.

"We hope it will be implemented immediately and translate into a lasting peace in Lebanon," he stated on X.

Ghebreyesus also called for urgent measures for Gaza, stating: "Civilians in Gaza are suffering immensely and need a life-saving ceasefire, full-scale humanitarian assistance, and peace now before it is too late. The best medicine is peace."

Israel’s security cabinet approved the cease-fire agreement with Lebanon on Tuesday evening.

US President Joe Biden confirmed that both Israel and Lebanon agreed to the deal, which will take effect at 4 a.m. local time (0200GMT) Wednesday.

“The Security Cabinet, this evening, in a 10-1 vote, approved the US proposal for a cease-fire arrangement in Lebanon,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.