Pakistan, France and Egypt say ceasefire 'includes Lebanon'
French President Emmanuel Macron said the ceasefire agreement between the U.S., Israel and Iran "fully includes Lebanon," which is in opposition to the stance taken by Israel as it continues an offensive there.
Macron said the inclusion of Lebanon in the deal is "a good and even essential thing."
"What we are witnessing today, both from what we have seen with the strikes and the occupation of southern Lebanon, cannot be a long-term solution, we know that," Macron said.
Macron unsuccessfully backed Beirut’s earlier efforts to de-escalate and push back against an Israeli ground invasion that has displaced more than 1 million people.
Iran-backed Hezbollah joined the war after firing rockets toward Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Tehran. Hezbollah has not claimed any strikes on Israel since the ceasefire but told people displaced by war to refrain from returning to their homes before a ceasefire is announced in Lebanon, while claiming to be nearing a "historic victory".
Israel has denied Lebanon’s inclusion in the agreement and said it will continue strikes against the small country. Pakistan, France and Egypt, which helped mediate the deal, all have confirmed Lebanon’s inclusion.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "the situation in Lebanon remains critical," called on Israel to immediately stop attacks on Lebanon.
A regional official involved in negotiations said Lebanon is included in the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the pause applies to "all fronts including Lebanon."
Source: Associated Press, Naharnet, Agence France Presse
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