United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace, in Baabda, Lebanon January 18, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir 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,

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.

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 United Nations on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire deal in the Gaza conflict. Speaking to reporters in New York, Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to respect and abide by the terms of the deal.

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron and UN chief António Guterres were in Lebanon on Friday on separate trips in a show of support for the country after the parliament recently elected a new President and Prime Minister-designate,

Qatar’s foreign ministry said the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will go into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday.

Israel's Cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire deal that would pause the fighting and release dozens of hostages held by militants, along with Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The approval came early on Saturday after a marathon session by the full Cabinet.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the deal for a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza, calling it a “critical first step” towards peace in

UN Secretary-General Guterres advocates for ceasefire, aid flow, and unified Palestinian leadership for lasting peace in the region.

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