The EU welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and commends the mediation efforts undertaken by France and the United States which have allowed it. This is a significant achievement, which the EU and its Member States have been repeatedly calling for throughout this year.

It is now crucial that the ceasefire holds as agreed, to guarantee the safety of people in both Lebanon and Israel, and to allow internally displaced people on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

This requires first and foremost the commitment of the two sides: the sovereignty of both Lebanon and Israel must be fully respected and all cross-border attacks must stop. The EU calls on all regional and international stakeholders to actively engage in support of the ceasefire for it to become a permanent contribution to regional peace and stability.

The EU and its Member States are committed to mobilizing a wide range of EU instruments, including the European Peace Facility, to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL so that UNSC resolution 1701 can be effectively and fully implemented on the ground. The EU will also pursue its humanitarian assistance and engage in post-conflict early recovery and reconstruction, so as to support the Lebanese people affected by the conflict, including the countless internally displaced people. The EU is especially determined to support further the Lebanese State’s sovereignty and State-building efforts.

Lebanese political leaders have an opportunity – and the immense responsibility – to swiftly put aside their differences and find a way out of the protracted political and economic impasse, so that all Lebanese share the same national future as part of a common, peaceful and prosperous Lebanese destiny. They now have to move forward with the swift election of a President, after two years of vacancy, to start rebuilding a strong and sovereign Lebanese State.