UN welcomes Lebanon-Israel talks as ‘important first step’ toward ending hostilities

The UN on Wednesday welcomed a US-convened meeting between Lebanon and Israel as an “important first step” toward ending hostilities.

"I can tell you that we welcome yesterday’s meeting between Lebanon and Israel, convened by the United States," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a news conference, adding that "the meeting constitutes an important first step to end the hostilities and towards breaking the recurrent rounds of violence that have caused considerable suffering for too long."

"Maintaining dialogue will be essential in resolving outstanding issues and achieving progress towards stability," he said.

Haq added that the UN remains "ready to support these efforts" and continues to urge "the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701."

Addressing the Israeli army’s halt of a UN Interim Force in Lebanon convoy carrying military and civilian peacekeepers and contractors from Beirut to its Naqoura headquarters, Haq said: "This is not an isolated incident."

"Similar restrictions, through physical roadblocks or the reversal of prior clearances, have affected both peacekeepers and the essential personnel who support them," he said.

He called on the Israeli army to end the obstructions and "ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as the freedom of movement of all UNIFIL patrols and logistical convoys."

"We reiterate our call on the IDF to respect agreed arrangements and to uphold its obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as the freedom of movement of all UNIFIL patrols and logistical convoys."