Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday welcomed the initial phase of the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. Aoun expressed hope that this accord would mark ‘a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.’

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the President stressed the importance of ‘continued international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative adopted at the Beirut Summit in 2002.’

The President further urged Israel to heed calls from Arab and international leaders ‘to halt its aggressive policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, thereby creating positive conditions for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace that ensures stability across the Middle East.’