Gaza City: The UN welcomed US President Joe Biden’s announcement that Lebanon and the Israeli entity had reached a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.

According to Oman News Agency, The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said in a statement that “this agreement marks the starting point of a critical process, anchored in the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), to restore the safety and security that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line deserve.”

“Considerable work lies ahead to ensure that the agreement endures. Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required,” she added.

It is clear that the status quo ante of implementing only select provisions of resolution 1701 (2006), while paying lip service to others, will not suffice, she said.

The Special Coordinator commends the parties on seizing the opportunity to close this devastating chapter. “Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today’s achieveme
nt.”

After the ceasefire was announced, the US and France pledged in a joint statement to lead international efforts to build the capabilities of the Lebanese army and support the Lebanese economy, affirming that they would work to ensure the full implementation of the agreement.