World leaders' responses to Israel's ceasefire agreement and Hezbollah

World leaders have welcomed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which entered into force Wednesday morning.

Here are the main reactions from around the world:

United States and France

The truce between Israel and Lebanon will protect Israel from the threat of the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah and will create the conditions for a stable “Reservative”, said American President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron before entering into force of the ceasefire.

“Recognition today will cease fighting in Lebanon and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations operating from Lebanon”, leaders said in a joint statement, Telegrafi quoted.

The United States and France will work “to ensure that this agreement is fully implemented” and will lead international efforts for “construction of the Lebanese Army's”, they added.

Macron said Lebanon's ceasefire should open the “road for a war end in Gaza.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Biden for his “involvement in ensuring the ceasefire agreement”.

He told Beden in a call that he praised the US leader's “understanding that Israel would preserve freedom of action in its implementation”, according to Netanyah's office.

Prior to the adoption of the deal by Israel, Netanyah said that “the duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon” and the ceasefire would allow Israel to “intensify” pressure on Hamas and focus on the Iranian “threat”.

Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the ceasefire was a key “step” towards restoring stability in the region.

Thanks to France and the United States for their involvement, Mikati also reiterated his government's commitment to “strengthening the army's presence in the south”.

Germany

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock welcomed the agreement, hailing it as “a ray of hope for the entire region”.

“People on both sides of the border want to live in real and sustainable security”, Baerbock said in a statement, calling the agreement “a success for diplomacy”.

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised a long-delayed “ceasefire that would ensure a measure of relief for Israel and Lebanon's civilian population”.

European Union

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the ceasefire's most encouraging “, saying it would increase the “security and internal stability of Lebanon”.

The announcement was welcome news “ahead of all for the Lebanese and Israeli people affected by fighting”, von der Leyen said in X.

“Libane will have an opportunity to increase internal security and stability thanks to Hezbollah's reduced influence”, she said.

A senior UN official welcomed the ceasefire agreement, but warned that considerable “of considerable work ahead of” for implementation of the agreement.

There is nothing less than the full and steadfast commitment of both sides”, UN Special Co-ordinator for Lebanon Jeanie Hennis-Plasschaert said in a statement.

Turkey

Turkey's Foreign Ministry said it welcomes the ceasefire agreement, saying it hopes the ceasefire will be sustainable.

“It is necessary for the international community to pressure Israel to fully respect the ceasefire and secure damages for the damages it has caused in Lebanon”, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkey was ready to support peace efforts in Lebanon.

China

China said Wednesday it welcomes the ceasefire agreement.

“Kina is paying attention to the current situation in Lebanon and Israel”, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a regular conference.

“We support all efforts to reduce tensions and achieve peace and welcome the agreement reached by the respective parties for a <x1) ceasefire, she said, underlining the importance of reaching a ceasefire even in Gaza.

Egypt

Egypt's Foreign Minister also said he welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel.