RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its support for the ceasefire in Lebanon, welcoming international efforts to achieve peace and calling for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, went into effect on Wednesday following over a year of cross-border confrontations and two months of open warfare.

US President Joe Biden emphasized that the agreement seeks to prevent the rebuilding of Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon while enabling a gradual Israeli withdrawal over the next 60 days.

In a joint statement, Paris and Washington pledged to work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure the agreement’s success, highlighting its potential to provide lasting calm and counter regional threats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that the deal allows Israel operational freedom in Lebanon, isolates Hamas in Gaza, and focuses efforts on countering Iranian threats. — SG with inputs from agencies