German foreign minister welcomes 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon announced by US President Donald Trump.

The ceasefire would provide both sides with an important respite from the conflict, he said.

Wadephul said peace talks between Israel and Lebanon offered the potential for a future that equally respected both sides’ interests.

Long-term agreements were now needed on securing the border, protecting civilians and ensuring the safety of the UN peacekeepers, Wadephul said.

Lasting security in the region could only be achieved with the effective disarmament of the Hezbollah militia, he added.

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The relationship between Israel and Lebanon has been marred by conflict for decades. Fighting flared up again after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel at the start of the Iran war.

The Israeli military responded by ramping up strikes on Lebanon and occupying parts of southern Lebanon near the Israeli border. So far, more than 2,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon since early March, according to Lebanese figures.

The ceasefire was agreed with the Lebanese government, which does not hold power over Hezbollah.