Reaction to ceasefire
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has supported the deal, saying it was “a critical step for alleviating immense human suffering and ensuring displaced communities on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border can return home”.
The ceasefire would also help de-escalate tensions in the region, the foreign minister added as she echoed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza following the truce.
“An end to the violence in Lebanon must also be a catalyst for an end to the war in Gaza,” Senator Wong said in a statement that called for a ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded aid, the protection of civilians and the release of the hostages.
The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council’s executive director, Dr Colin Rubenstein, said: “While we welcome news of the ceasefire, we remain cautious, because we know from bitter experience that Israel’s enemies systematically violate legal obligations with zero pushback by the international community. We hope it will be different this time, and innocent civilians on both sides of the border can rebuild and return to their homes, free from the Hezbollah terrorist threat.”
Dr Rubenstein added, “In 2006, the Security Council imposed near identical conditions to the current ceasefire deal. Hezbollah’s legion of violations were ignored, and the result was the last year of devastation and war. The test of this ceasefire deal will be the extent to which the West allows Israel to enforce the conditions of a Hezbollah-free southern Lebanon. Lasting peace requires consequences for Hezbollah violations. Without consequences, this will merely be a lull.”
Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, commented: “Today’s proposed ceasefire agreement for Israel and Lebanon offers a vital step toward restoring this fundamental sense of security for those living in the north of the country. We are grateful to the United States and France for their work to bring about this essential agreement aimed at ensuring regional stability.
“The progress Israel has achieved over recent months in its fight against terror by crippling Hezbollah’s infrastructure and that of other Iranian proxies will undoubtedly be recorded in the annals of history as a decisive chapter in the struggle to safeguard the future of the Jewish State. This is not only a military achievement but a demonstration of resilience and strategic vision in the face of relentless threats.
“As we mark this milestone, Israel must also take this moment to redirect its focus to the south and the Gaza envelope, and the international community must stand united with moral clarity in supporting efforts to ensure the safe return of all hostages held by Hamas. The thousands displaced from their homes deserve nothing less than a renewed commitment to their safety and the promise of peace in their daily lives.
“The World Jewish Congress stands resolutely with the State of Israel, ready to lend our full diplomatic support to these efforts to ensure that every Israeli can live in safety and with dignity, and that justice is served for all victims of terror.”
J-Wire/AAP
Penny Wong is always wrong. Never mentions the hostages except as an afterthought or at the end of a sentence. She is a disgrace and an embarrassment to Australia.
What about the hostages? Releasing the hostages alive or dead should be a condition!!!