UN calls on parties to 'accept a ceasefire' in Lebanon

AFP , Monday 25 Nov 2024

A senior UN official on Monday called on all parties involved in the conflict in Lebanon to "accept a ceasefire," as new Israeli strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.

UN senior envoy Muhannad Hadi
UN senior envoy Muhannad Hadi speaking to the Security Council on behalf of UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland. AFP

 

The violence follows top European Union diplomat Josep Borrell's call on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire after a US envoy said last week that a deal was within grasp.

"The situation remains grave across the region," senior envoy Muhannad Hadi told the Security Council on behalf of UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland.

"Israeli military operations continued across the Blue Line with Lebanon, as did the firing of rockets by Hezbollah toward Israel, including a barrage this weekend," he said.

"I welcome the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a cessation of hostilities and urge the parties to accept a ceasefire anchored in the full implementation of UNSCR 1701," Hadi said in the remarks.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and stipulated that only UN peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army could be deployed in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has maintained a presence in the region, however, and Israel has been conducting ground operations against the militant and political group since September 30.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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