German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah
German Foreign Minister Baerbock stated the following regarding the ceasefire agreement on November 26:
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is a ray of hope for the entire region. Hundreds of thousands of women, children and families in Lebanon can gain new hope for a life free from flight and fear of bombardment. At the same time, the ceasefire allows tens of thousands of residents of northern Israel to breathe a sigh of relief after more than a year of Hezbollah rocket fire and who want nothing more than to finally return to their homes. On both sides of the border, people expect a life of real and lasting security.
The ceasefire is a diplomatic success. I extend my thanks for this joint effort in particular to our American and French friends for their tireless mediation, which we, as the German government, accompanied with intensive shuttle diplomacy.
Hezbollah terrorists have drawn everyone in Lebanon into this war. They have ignited a war that has made the differences between the people of Israel and Lebanon seem almost irreconcilable. It is therefore important now that we focus all our efforts on ensuring that all parties quickly implement the steps they have promised. The full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, with the assistance of UNIFIL, remains essential to achieving a lasting solution to the conflict. We support the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are now tasked with taking full control of the area south of the Litani River and with stabilizing the border. We continue to stand by the Lebanese people, to whom we have provided humanitarian support through emergency housing and medical care in recent months. The people of Lebanon must now find the strength to overcome the political and economic stalemate in their country. This includes ensuring that responsible political actors finally pave the way for the election of a president and the resolution of the impasse in parliament. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah shows what can be achieved through diplomatic means: We also urgently need a ceasefire in Gaza now so that the German and all other hostages can finally be released, and the suffering and hunger of hundreds of thousands of women, children and men can finally end.
