Iraq welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s foreign ministry on Wednesday welcomed the United States-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon, stressing the importance of preventing further escalation of the conflict.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, expressing hope that this agreement will help put an end to the violence, destruction, and suffering endured by the Lebanese people,” said a statement from the ministry.

While reaffirming Iraq’s support for Lebanon, the ministry stressed “the importance of intensifying international efforts to prevent further escalation and ensure a dignified life for the Lebanese people.”

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that both Israel and Lebanon have accepted Washington’s proposal for a ceasefire.

"Today, I have some good news to report from the Middle East. I just spoke with the Prime Minister of Israel and Lebanon. I'm pleased to announce that their governments have accepted the United States' proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah," Biden said.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified since October 7, when Palestinian Hamas militants launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive ongoing offensive on Gaza, killing over 43,000 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The foreign ministry also called on the international community to take “serious and urgent” steps to stop the war in Gaza Strip.

“The Ministry calls on the international community to take serious and urgent steps to halt the ongoing massacres and attacks against the Palestinian people in Gaza and to work toward ending the humanitarian suffering that has worsened due to the continuous military escalation,” said the foreign ministry.