BEIRUT, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Wednesday that Israel has violated the newly reached ceasefire agreement more than 60 times.
"We have seen, in the last two days, a definite consolidation of the ceasefire, and we hope that it will become permanent stability, although we fear and warn of violations that will take us back to an atmosphere of anxiety," Mikati was quoted as saying by a statement released by his office.
According to the statement, Mikati told a cabinet meeting that "he has noticed from his contacts a serious willingness by countries that participated in reaching the ceasefire to address this issue."
Mikati also called on Lebanese expatriates to contribute to the rebuilding of their country with strong determination, the statement said.
A ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Nov. 27, following a deadly conflict between the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Israel that began on Oct. 8, 2023. The confrontation has been regarded as the bloodiest since the last war between Lebanon and Israel in 2006.
Under the agreement, both sides agreed to a 60-day cessation of hostilities, with Israel gradually withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah retreating north of the Litani River.
Despite the truce, tensions remain high as both sides exchange accusations of ceasefire violations, raising concerns about the agreement's durability. ■
