Macron says Lebanon-Israel ceasefire 'may already be undermined'
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said he was concerned that a ceasefire between militant group Hezbollah and Israel "may already be undermined by ongoing military operations."
"I call for the safety of civilians on both sides of the border between Lebanon and Israel," he said on X. "Hezbollah must lay down its arms. Israel must respect Lebanese sovereignty and end the war," he added.
A 10-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight local time (2100 GMT Thursday).
- Army reports 'violations' -
Lebanon's army reported "acts of aggression" by Israel that it said violated the ceasefire.
Lebanon's army in an X post early on Friday called on residents in the south to exercise caution "in light of a number of violations" of the ceasefire agreement by "several Israeli acts of aggression."
- 'Long-term accords' needed -
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and thanked the U.S. for its role as a mediator.
What is needed now, Wadephul said, are long-term agreements on securing the border, protecting civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, and ensuring the safety of UNIFIL peacekeepers.
He said the talks paved the way for a future reality in which the interests of both sides are equally taken into account: Israel’s legitimate security interests and Lebanon’s right to territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Long-term security in the region can only be achieved through the effective disarmament of Hezbollah, Wadephul added.
Source: Agence France Presse
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