‘Will lead to peace, stability in wider region’: India welcomes Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah began early Wednesday morning

India on Wednesday (November 27, 2024) welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and the Hezbollah of Lebanon. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared that India has been consistent in calling for “de-escalation” of tension between the warring sides.

“We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region,” the MEA stated a day after the ceasefire agreement was announced.

The conflict between the Hezbollah and Israel posed a threat to expat Indians residing in Lebanon and in Israel. New Delhi had been calling for de-escalation of tension and cessation of hostilities. On November 2, the Official Spokesperson of the MEA conveyed condolences on the loss of lives of foreigners in the Hezbollah attack in northern Israel.

India had been concerned about the increasing Israeli attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has a large number of Indian personnel. On October 28, during the visit of Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, India and Spain in a joint statement “condemned” the attacks on the UNIFIL.

On November 27, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, reiterated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks of Tuesday. “Under the U.S. sponsored agreement, Lebanon committed to deploy its army in the south and take out any Hezbollah presence. Israel maintains the right to defend itself against any breach,” Mr. Azar said.

There are already reports of ceasefire violations coming from Lebanon.

Published - November 27, 2024 04:30 pm IST