ISTANBUL, Jan 19 (Bernama-AA)-- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed on Saturday Lebanon’s commitment to Israel’s withdrawal from occupied southern territories within the timeline set by a ceasefire agreement, which is set to expire in seven days, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Lazzarini emphasised that the agreement is only the first step in addressing the region’s overwhelming humanitarian challenges.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Saturday a "more hopeful" future awaits Lebanon after meeting its new leaders in a two-day visit ahead of a deadline for implementing a fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

The first phase of the ceasefire, set to last 42 days, will see the exchange of 33 hostages for 737 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire are scheduled to begin after two weeks,

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that Israel's continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement represent a clear breach of international commitments.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday, during which he urged Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within the deadline set by the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire deal.

"It is now essential to see the withdrawal of the Israel Defense forces from Lebanese territory and the simultaneous deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces across southern Lebanon in the agreed timeframe," Guterres said at a press conference held in Beirut to conclude his two-day visit to the country.

The ceasefire agreement, signed on November 27, requires the Lebanese army to deploy alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon within 60 days, as the Israeli army withdraws. Hezbollah must also move its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle its southern military infrastructure.

President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, informed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during their meeting this morning at Baabda Palace that “Lebanon is committed to the need for Israeli forces’ withdrawal from its occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27.”

Lebanon’s new president’s comments come after the UN chief called on Israel to end its ‘occupation’ of southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun reiterated his country's insistence on the urgent withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupie