Iran welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon, reaffirming its steadfast support for both the nation and Hezbollah

In a statement released on Wednesday, Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s “steadfast support for the Lebanese government, people, and resistance,” emphasizing Tehran’s consistent stance on the urgent need for an end to Israeli hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon. He highlighted that over the past 14 months, Iran has been actively engaged in substantial diplomatic initiatives to achieve this objective.

An Iranian diplomat has claimed that the actions of Israel, backed by the United States and certain European nations, have led to the deaths of 60,000 civilians, injuries to 120,000 individuals, and the displacement of over 3.5 million people from Palestinian and Lebanese territories. The diplomat also highlighted extensive damage to key infrastructure in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Baghaei highlighted that, over the past 14 months, global public opinion has been increasingly calling for an end to conflict and acts of genocide, in response to interim rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) aiming to prevent such acts in Gaza. Additionally, the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against leaders of the Zionist regime for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity has further fueled expectations for the prosecution and punishment of those responsible within the occupying regime.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry has urged the international community to uphold its responsibility in maintaining peace and stability in West Asia. The official called for increased international pressure on Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was implemented at 4 a.m. local time in Lebanon (0200 GMT), raising hopes for a long-lasting cessation of Israeli assaults on Lebanese towns and cities. The truce aims to bring an end to over a year of hostilities in southern Lebanon and the northern part of the occupied territories.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced an agreement for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon within the next 60 days. This plan will see the Lebanese Army and state security forces assume control of the region.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will be actively involved in facilitating the execution of the agreement.

According to a report from Reuters, convoys of vehicles transporting individuals displaced from southern Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes have commenced moving southward following the initiation of the ceasefire. This movement occurs despite warnings from the Israeli military advising civilians to refrain from returning to their homes.

In response to an unprecedented military operation by Palestinian resistance movements, known as Al-Aqsa Flood, on October 7, 2023, Israel has intensified its military campaign against Gaza. The Israeli forces have conducted continuous air and ground assaults targeting various sites, including hospitals, residential areas, and places of worship.

At least 44,249 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives, while 104,746 others have been injured, according to recent reports.

Hezbollah established a support front for Palestinians in Gaza just a day following Israel’s military campaign against the enclave, which began last October.

According to the Lebanese health authorities, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of over 3,760 individuals, with approximately 15,700 people sustaining injuries. Furthermore, the hostilities, which began on October 8, 2023, have displaced more than one million people.

In late September, the regime conducted a targeted operation resulting in the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a strike that took place in southern Beirut.