New York [US], April 17 (ANI): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, while commending the role of the United States in facilitating the agreement.

In a post on X, Guterres said, 'I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel & Lebanon, and commend the role of the US in facilitating it. I hope this will pave the way for negotiations towards a long-term solution to the conflict & contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting & comprehensive peace in the region.'

The Secretary-General also called on all parties to uphold the truce. 'I urge everyone to fully respect the ceasefire and to comply with international law at all times,' he added.

https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2044895970421264831

The remarks by the Secretary General come alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States to stabilise the Israel-Lebanon border after a 10-day ceasefire was announced following intensive negotiations involving Washington, Tel Aviv, and Beirut.

US President Donald Trump described the developments as a potential breakthrough, saying discussions between the Israeli and Lebanese leadership could mark a historic shift.

'It's very exciting. With Lebanon, it's very exciting. I think we're going to have a deal. We're going to have a meeting first time in 44 years and Lebanon will be meeting with Israel and they're probably going to do it at the White House,' he said, referring to talks involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

He added that the ceasefire arrangement would also involve Hezbollah. 'They're going to be having a ceasefire and that'll include Hezbollah...' Trump said.

On the timeline for negotiations, the US President indicated that engagement could move quickly. 'Over the next week or two,' he said.

Trump also expressed optimism about broader alignment among parties involved in the conflict.

'I think we will have an agreement between Lebanon, and they're going to take care of Hezbollah,' he said.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said Israeli forces would continue holding positions in southern Lebanon during the ceasefire period, insisting that security considerations require a continued military presence.

'We will remain in a 10-kilometre security zone, which will allow us to prevent infiltration into communities and anti-tank missile fire,' Netanyahu said, adding, 'That is where we will remain. We are not leaving.'

Netanyahu also reiterated that Israel's objectives include the 'disarmament of Hezbollah' and a 'sustainable peace agreement - from a position of strength.'

Meanwhile, reports from Lebanon suggested continued hostilities despite the ceasefire. According to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), Israeli artillery struck areas in southern Lebanon shortly after the truce took effect, including the towns of Khiam and Dibbine, alongside machinegun fire and aerial surveillance activity.

The Israeli military said it remains on high alert along the border even as the ceasefire is in place.

Despite the tensions, celebrations were reported in parts of Beirut, with fireworks and gunfire marking the start of the ceasefire. (ANI)