UN Urges Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for adherence to the November ceasefire deal, emphasizing Lebanese sovereignty and stability.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the Israeli military to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline outlined in the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire requires the Lebanese army to deploy in the south, Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River, and the removal of all militant infrastructure in the region.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including airstrikes and destruction of border villages, as breaches of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Guterres pledged international support for Lebanon's reconstruction and stability, while French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for accelerating the ceasefire's implementation.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned against continued Israeli violations, urging the Lebanese state to take firm action and uphold the agreement.