Belgium's Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib (MR) has said that the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon is "a crucial step towards curbing escalation in the Middle East" on Tuesday evening.
Lahbib reiterated her call for a "ceasefire in the region, including Gaza" in a social media post. She emphasised that "only the resumption of negotiations for a two-state solution can bring peace."
The outgoing Foreign Minister, who will soon be confirmed as the European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, stressed the importance of protecting civilians.
The ceasefire agreement in Lebanon is a crucial step towards stopping the escalation in the Middle East.
We call for a ceasefire in the whole region, including Gaza. Only resuming negotiations for a 2-state solution can bring peace. Civilians must be protected. — Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) November 26, 2024
The ceasefire began at 04:00 local time (03:00 CET) on Wednesday morning and offers a glimmer of hope for easing tensions in the region where Israel is engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Islamist movement Hezbollah.
Western leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron have also expressed support for the ceasefire.
"This agreement must pave the way for a long-overdue ceasefire in response to the immense suffering of the people in Gaza," Macron said in a video posted on social media.
He added that this demonstrates "the path of political courage, which alone can bring lasting peace and security to everyone in the Middle East."
