France applauds the November 26th authorization of a ceasefire agreement by Israel and Lebanon, as well as its entry into force this morning.
This agreement is the fruit of months' worth of intensive efforts with the Israeli and Lebanese authorities, working in close coordination with the United States under the leadership of President Joe Biden.
France calls for the ceasefire to be respected over the long term in order to restore security for the Lebanese and Israeli people and to allow for the safe return home of displaced people from both these countries. We know what the conditions for lasting peace are. They are provided for under the framework set forth by the existing UN Security Council resolutions, in particular, resolution 1701, the relevance of which has been forcefully reaffirmed by this agreement.
France will participate actively in the monitoring and application of the ceasefire agreement, together with all of its partners.
In keeping with the commitments made by President Macron and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty on October 24, France will maintain its political and humanitarian efforts to ensure stability and security in the region and will continue to mobilize all its partners.
The November 26th ceasefire agreement must turn a new page for Lebanon. The cessation of hostilities offers the Lebanese the opportunity to begin, with the support of their partners, their country's lasting recovery. This opportunity must be seized urgently and resolutely. In addition to redeploying the Lebanese Armed Forces in the country's south; in order to restore its sovereignty, Lebanon must hold elections without delay to designate a president capable of bringing together the Lebanese people and revitalizing the country's institutions.
In addition, this agreement must pave the way for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the war wages on. France will continue to work toward the cessation of hostilities, the release of the hostages, and the massive influx of humanitarian aid. Only a just, lasting political solution founded on two states can guarantee peace and security in the Middle East.
The Lebanese can count on France's unfailing support, in keeping with France's remarkable friendship with Lebanon.