We welcome the ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon announced by US President Trump. It can give people on both sides of the border an important respite.

I would like to thank the United States for its mediation work, particularly in the past days.

I encourage the Israeli and Lebanese Governments to continue on the positive path of direct talks begun in Washington on Tuesday. Long-term agreements on securing the border, protecting civilians on both sides of the Blue Line and ensuring security for the UNIFIL blue helmets are now needed.

Direct peace talks between Israel and Lebanon offer the potential of a future as neighbours, with both Israel’s legitimate security interests and Lebanon’s right to territorial integrity and sovereignty taken equally into account.

Long-term security in the region can only be achieved if Hezbollah is disarmed effectively. We welcome the fact that the Lebanese Government has also declared the disarmament of Hezbollah as a goal — the Government is now called on to carry this out effectively.

Germany is helping to maintain stability in Lebanon through its support for the Lebanese army and the Lebanese security forces. As the largest humanitarian donor to the people in Lebanon, we support those suffering from the impact of the war, particularly the over one million internally displaced persons.