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.

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.

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.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

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.

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.

Gaza airstrikes continue as family killed hours ahead of truce deal - The ceasefire deal will now be discussed by Netanyahu’s wider cabinet ahead of Sunday’s hostage release