French President Emmanuel Macron assured Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday that he is actively working to sustain a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. In a telephone discussion, the two leaders addressed ongoing developments in southern Lebanon. Macron emphasized his diplomatic efforts to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, saying, "Maintaining the ceasefire and completing the implementation of the agreement are of utmost importance." President Aoun called for international pressure on Israel to honor the deal, stressing the importance of preserving stability in southern Lebanon. He also urged an immediate end to "Israel's ongoing violations, including the destruction of border villages and land leveling, which are preventing displaced residents from returning to their homes." The conversation took place just hours before the Israeli army's deadline to withdraw from southern Lebanon, set for 0200 GMT Sunday, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire, brokered on Nov. 27, ended over 14 months of fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, a conflict that escalated in tandem with the war in Gaza. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that the Israeli offensive, which began on Oct. 8, 2023, has left at least 4,068 people dead, including women, children, and healthcare workers, while 16,670 others have been injured. The war in Gaza similarly concluded with a ceasefire agreement last week. — Agencies
