Iraq says played vital role in facilitating ceasefire in Lebanon

The Iraqi government says it played a vital role in facilitating the recent ceasefire between the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah and the Israeli regime.

"Iraq played a central and essential role in coordinating between [several] countries, and its [talks] were an essential key to reaching the results of the ceasefire between Lebanon and the occupying entity," government spokesperson Basim al-Awadi said on Wednesday.

Al-Awadi also underscored Iraq's commitment to provide ongoing support to the people of Gaza and Lebanon until lasting stability is accomplished.

He viewed the ceasefire as a significant step that would help avoid a larger conflict and potentially pave the way for a ceasefire in Gaza as well.

Additionally, he stated that Iraq would focus on supporting reconstruction efforts in both Lebanon and Gaza, proposing that workers in Iraq could contribute 1% of their salaries to these initiatives.

Israel was forced to accept a ceasefire with the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah after suffering heavy losses in recent months and failing to achieve its goals in its aggression on Lebanon. The truce agreement officially came into effect at 04:00 local time (0200 GMT) on Wednesday.

Hezbollah: 'Fully prepared to counter Israeli aggression, ambitions’

Hezbollah vows complete readiness to counter further potential Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

The Israeli regime began taking Lebanon under intensified deadly aggression last October after launching a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. In Lebanon, at least 3,823 people were killed and 15,859 wounded in Israeli attacks.

Qatar, Egypt collaborate on Gaza ceasefire following Lebanon truce

In the wake of a truce agreement reached in Lebanon, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, held discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to address ceasefire efforts in Gaza.

During a joint news conference in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Al Thani expressed optimism regarding the truce in Lebanon, stating, “We discussed the truce agreement in Lebanon. And we express our hope that this agreement will result in a real ceasefire, and also that its effect will extend to the Gaza Strip – ending this human suffering as soon as possible.”

Egypt's foreign minister, for his part, highlighted the dedicated and unwavering efforts of Egypt and Qatar over the past year, aimed at swiftly achieving a deal to ensure an immediate ceasefire, halt the violence against the Palestinian people, and enable the prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestine.

Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza have intensified since the outbreak of the war, with discussions taking place in several Arab nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, as part of a unified response to the escalating humanitarian crisis.

While Hamas has shown willingness to accept proposed truce agreements, Israel continues to insist on terms that primarily serve its own interests, thus hindering a sustainable ceasefire in the region.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 44,282 Palestinians and wounded 104,880 others since October 7, 2023.

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