Guterres Praises 45-Day Extension of Lebanon-Israel Truce

Antonio Guterres, the head of the United Nations, has expressed strong support for the recent agreement to prolong the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel for an additional 45 days. The extension is intended to provide more time for diplomatic negotiations and to help stabilize the volatile border region. The UN statement noted that the organization stands ready to assist any effort that aims to stop hostilities and protect civilians living near the Blue Line, the internationally recognized boundary established in 2000. In addition to welcoming the extension, the Secretary-General called on all parties to respect the terms of the truce and to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions. The United Nations also pledged to continue supporting efforts to implement Resolution 1701, which was passed after the 2006 conflict involving Hezbollah. This resolution remains a cornerstone of international efforts to bring lasting peace to the area. The United States has been instrumental in organizing the talks. High-level political discussions are set to continue in Washington in June, while military talks are planned at the Pentagon on May 29. American officials described the latest round of negotiations as productive. Despite the overall ceasefire, violence has not completely stopped, with reports of Israeli strikes causing casualties in southern Lebanon. Health officials in Lebanon have documented nearly 3,000 deaths and over 8,000 injuries since early March. The extended ceasefire period is expected to allow further progress in the ongoing diplomatic process.