The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced in a press release on Monday that France, in collaboration with its international partners, is continuing its efforts to enforce the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
The deadline for Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon has been extended to February 18.
France has urged all parties to promptly fulfill their commitments under the ceasefire agreement, ensuring Lebanon regains sovereignty over its territory.
This statement follows a troubling incident on Sunday, January 26, when 22 Lebanese citizens were killed during Israeli operations in Lebanese territory.
France expressed deep concern over the event and called on the Israeli army to withdraw south of the Blue Line, handing over control of the northern zone to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), supported by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism.
“Significant progress has been made in recent months, largely due to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) active role in enforcing the ceasefire,” the French Foreign Ministry communiqué said, adding that the LAF has successfully reoccupied positions vacated by the Israeli army across much of the southern region and continues its redeployment with determination while maintaining high-security standards.
France commended the ongoing work within the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism, which has been facilitated by cooperation between the United States, UNIFIL, and other stakeholders to sustain dialogue among all parties.
It also encouraged the Lebanese Armed Forces to strengthen collaboration with UNIFIL to enhance control over areas between the Litani River and the Blue Line.
Furthermore, France has emphasized the need to launch negotiations on the land border as soon as possible to bolster stability in the border region.
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