Indonesia Hopes Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Ends War Permanently

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela. (Antara Photo)

JAKARTA - Indonesia welcomes the achievement of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and hopes that the ceasefire can develop into a permanent peace agreement.

As stated by the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, Indonesia continues to follow closely the development of negotiations between the two parties.

"Indonesia hopes that the negotiations can result in a permanent ceasefire," Nabyl told Antara in Jakarta, Saturday.

He said that Indonesia expects concrete and immediate steps to prevent further casualties and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

Indonesia also urges all parties to always uphold international law, including international humanitarian law, as well as protection for civilians, he added.

"Indonesia emphasizes that all parties must exercise maximum restraint and respect state sovereignty," Nabyl said.

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting Thursday (16/4) at 21.00 GMT or Friday (17/4) at 02.00 WIB.

The ceasefire agreement was reached after Lebanese and Israeli delegations, with US mediation, held talks in Washington DC on Tuesday (14/4).

Responding to the development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed all efforts to achieve peace, but he also urged Hezbollah to abide by the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the representative of Hezbollah in the Lebanese parliament, Hassan Fadlallah, said that the 10-day ceasefire with Israel was only the first step towards the full liberation of Lebanon and the main goal of the Hezbollah movement.

"Hezbollah supports the ceasefire, but it will continue to demand a full cessation of hostilities, Israel's total withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the return of residents to their homes, the release of prisoners, and reconstruction efforts," he said.