The South African government has joined other countries to welcome a ceasefire between Israel-Lebanon, which took effect on 27th November.
The deal was brokered by America and France, and there are hopes that it might in a long run de-escalate tensions in the region, especially between Israel and Hamas.
Pretoria said the ceasefire is a vital act of de-escalation which underscores the supremacy of diplomacy and significantly mitigates the human suffering caused by indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“South Africa calls on all parties to fully adhere to the ceasefire deal.
It is hoped that a permanent cessation of hostilities will follow, which will end the conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border, which has indiscriminately killed thousands of Lebanese people, many of them women and children,” said the spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Chrispin Phiri.
The ceasefire would see Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon within the next 60 days.
This would allow more than a million displaced Lebanese return home, and the country’s army bolster its presence in the south, in line with the terms of the ceasefire deal
South Africa also implored on the international community to support the cease-fire agreement, which will lead to a sustainable solution based on UN Security Council resolution 1701.
“South Africa furthermore calls for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.
South Africa reiterates its call for the international community to respect and adhere to UN resolutions, international law and international humanitarian law.
South Africa hopes that the cease-fire will de-escalate tensions in the region, and we reiterate that we stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Lebanon and express our support for the implementation of the agreement,” explained Phiri.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has also welcomed the ceasefire, adding that he hopes that it can put an end to the violence, destruction and suffering the people of both countries have been experiencing.
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to fully respect and swiftly implement all their commitments made under this agreement.
The Secretary-General also urges the parties to undertake immediate steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) both stand ready to support the implementation of this agreement, in line with their respective mandates,” read a statement from Guterres office.
