Ceasefire in Lebanon receives widespread support, many hail Resistance
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The moment the ceasefire took effect, the Lebanese people headed home, even without knowing if their homes were still standing.
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People sit in traffic as they return to their villages after a ceasefire between the Israeli occupation and Hezbollah went into effect, in Ghazieh, Lebanon, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced Wednesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the cessation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon, reiterating its steadfast support for the Lebanese government, people, and Resistance.
Baghaei emphasized Iran's commitment to peace in the region and highlighted its ongoing diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon over the past 14 months, which have killed tens of thousands and caused widespread destruction of vital infrastructure.
"The result of the warmongering and crimes committed by the Zionist regime, fully supported by the United States and certain European governments, is the martyrdom of 60,000 innocent people, the wounding of 120,000 individuals, and the displacement of over 3.5 million oppressed people in Palestine and Lebanon," Baghaei said.
Baghaei called attention to international legal actions, including temporary orders by the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide and an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He underscored the global demand for justice, stating, "Public opinion worldwide has been calling for an end to war and genocide for the past 14 months. Today, they await the trial and punishment of the perpetrators from the occupying regime."
The Iranian official urged the international community to fulfill its responsibility in maintaining peace and stability in West Asia and to exert effective pressure on the Israeli occupation to cease its military actions in Gaza.
China
China also welcomed the ceasefire, stressing that similar steps are needed for a truce in the Palestinian-besieged enclave of Gaza, amid an ongoing genocide for more than a year, state media reported.
Beijing “supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace, and welcomes the relevant parties reaching an agreement on a cease-fire,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in the Chinese capital.
“The Chinese side believes the failure to reach a cease-fire in Gaza is the root cause of the current turmoil in the Middle East," she asserted, urging all parties to “work together to achieve a comprehensive and lasting cease-fire in Gaza at an earlier date.”
Ansar Allah hails victory over 'Israel'
The head of the Yemeni negotiating delegation and Ansar Allah's spokesperson, Mohammad Abdul Salam, praised the steadfastness of Hezbollah and the Lebanese people in their resistance against Israeli aggression, describing it as a significant victory.
"We salute the great resilience of Hezbollah and the dear Lebanese people in facing the brutal Israeli aggression. Through this resilience and the unity of the people, army, and Resistance, Lebanon has achieved a new victory by repelling the aggression and thwarting its malicious plots," Abdul Salam said.
He emphasized that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon has only grown stronger and more deeply rooted despite its significant sacrifices. “With its great sacrifices, the Resistance has only increased in strength and firmness,” he added.
Abdul Salam also expressed confidence in Hezbollah’s leadership, commending its ability to regain the initiative swiftly, even in the face of tremendous challenges. He highlighted the assassination of "the martyr of Islam and Muslims," Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, praising the leadership for maintaining steadfastness despite the loss.
“The Israeli enemy would not have conceded to a ceasefire had it not encountered an unbroken and solid resistance,” he said, adding that the Resistance had "risen even more ferociously, capable of engaging in a long-term war of attrition." Abdul Salam asserted that the Israeli occupation, with its fragile and weak nature, "is weaker than a spider’s web, as described by the martyr leader Sayyed Nasrallah."
Ceasefire not to weaken Axis: Iraq
Iraqi Resistance group Kataib Hezbollah welcomed the ceasefire agreement, as well, praising it as a testament to the steadfastness of Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.
Just hours after the ceasefire officially came into effect, Kataib Hezbollah declared the ceasefire "a purely Lebanese decision" and acknowledged the pivotal role of the Lebanese Resistance movement in bringing about the agreement.
The group stressed that a temporary pause in the activities of any Resistance faction would not weaken the unity of the broader Axis of Resistance. “On the contrary, new parties will join, strengthening the resistance front to confront the enemies of Allah, His Messenger, and the believers,” the statement said.
Kataib Hezbollah also accused the United States of being complicit in the Israeli occupation's actions during the war, labeling it "a partner of the Zionist entity in all its treacherous crimes of murder, destruction, and displacement." The group warned that the US would be held accountable for its malicious role, stating, "It must pay the price for these crimes sooner or later."
Reiterating its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, Kataib Hezbollah affirmed its solidarity with the people of Gaza, emphasizing that no sacrifice would deter its commitment. “We remain undeterred by the threats, treachery, or criminal methods of the enemy. And it is incumbent upon us to aid the believers," the statement concluded.
Egypt
On its part, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Wednesday that Egypt welcomes the announcement of the ceasefire coming into effect in Lebanon, confirming that this step will contribute to the beginning of a de-escalation phase in the region.
Qatar
Qatar welcomed on Wednesday the ceasefire, saying it hoped the deal would lead to a truce in Gaza, where it has been a key mediator.
"The State of Qatar welcomes the ceasefire agreement in the Lebanese Republic and expresses its hope that it will lead to a similar agreement to halt the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and the Israeli assaults on the occupied West Bank," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Turkiye
President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkiye was ready to help in any way possible to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and expressed satisfaction with the ceasefire agreement that has come into effect in Lebanon.
"We are stating that, as Turkiye, we are ready to provide any contribution for the massacre in Gaza to end and for a lasting ceasefire to be achieved," Erdogan told members of his ruling AK Party in parliament.
Likewise, the Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed the "positive outcome of the negotiations on the ceasefire in Lebanon," expressing hope it will become permanent.
It also urged the international community to pressure "Israel" to ensure its explicit commitment to the ceasefire and that it compensates for the damage it has caused to Lebanon.
"It is imperative for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and to provide reparations for the damages it has caused in Lebanon," the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkiye was ready to support peace efforts in Lebanon.
It said a ceasefire must also be declared in Gaza as soon as possible for lasting regional peace and stability.
Australia
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel", expressing hope that it will turn into a "catalyst for a broader ceasefire in the region. And we look forward to the day when there is a ceasefire too, in Gaza."
"We want to see diplomatic efforts to ensure that the relevant UN Security Council resolutions are complied with," she said.
Cyprus
The president of Cyprus, Nikos ChristodoulidesI, also welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and "Israel", stressing his country's continued support for "Lebanon in fostering its state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces."
I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The mediating role of the US and FR to this end has been invaluable. Cyprus will continue to support Lebanon in fostering its state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces.
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) November 27, 2024
Ceasefire goes into effect
The Israeli ceasefire with Lebanon officially took effect on Wednesday at 4:00 am (local time).
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden announced that the governments of "Israel" and Lebanon have accepted a proposal to end the war, describing the development as "good news".
He said that he spoke with the prime ministers of "Israel" and Lebanon and was "pleased to announce that their governments have accepted the United States' proposal to end the devasting conflict between Israel and Hezbollah."
