Lebanon supports joint U.S., Egypt, Qatar statement for finalizing Gaza ceasefire deal

BEIRUT, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) — Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib announced on Friday that the Lebanese government supports the joint statement by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, which calls for efforts to finalize a Gaza ceasefire deal and a prisoner-hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas.
“The Lebanese government recognizes the importance of finalizing the ceasefire agreement and releasing the hostages and detainees,” Bou Habib said after meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, according to a statement from the Lebanese Council of Ministers.
He emphasized that “there is no room for further delay” and urged all parties to expedite the release of hostages, initiate the ceasefire, and implement the agreement without hesitation.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to resume urgent discussion on Aug. 15 in Doha or Cairo to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the ceasefire deal without further delay.
Cairo, Doha, and Washington mediated a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas that ended in late November 2023, which included a swap between Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages and more humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. Yet, later mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement have not been fruitful. ■