Brussels: European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell welcomed a recently brokered ceasefire in Lebanon, describing it as a "relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East." In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Borrell commended France and the US for their mediation efforts in securing the agreement. According to Philippines News Agency, Borrell emphasized the importance of ensuring the ceasefire's durability to protect the lives of citizens in Lebanon and Israel and to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced people. He underscored the critical need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (UNSCR 1701), which outlines measures for maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border. In a pointed appeal to Lebanon's political leaders, he reiterated the EU's call for the election of a president, stressing the urgency of addressing the country's prolonged political paralysis. He further highlighted the right of the Lebanese people to "regain full sovereignty on the country's affairs, without external interference," signaling Europe's concern over foreign influence in Lebanon's domestic politics. The US and French presidents, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, issued a joint statement noting their efforts in mediating the ceasefire. "Today, after many weeks of tireless diplomacy, Israel and Lebanon have accepted a cessation of hostilities," the statement said, adding that the announcement will help restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other global leaders, including Ireland's Foreign Minister Michael Martin and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, also expressed their support, urging for broader peace efforts in the region, particularly calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock praised the ceasefire as a "ray of hope" for the region, emphasizing the need for a similar agreement in Ga za to alleviate suffering. French President Macron highlighted the agreement as the result of extensive diplomatic efforts and called for it to serve as a catalyst for Lebanon's recovery and rebuilding. Other European leaders, such as Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the ceasefire in promoting regional stability. Sweden, Austria, and the European Commission also voiced their support, with Austria reaffirming its commitment to the peacekeeping UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the heavy burden the hostilities have placed on Lebanon's healthcare system and called for urgent measures in Gaza. In a pivotal move, Israel's security cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. US President Joe Biden confirmed the deal, which will take effect at 4 a.m. local t ime Wednesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the security cabinet approved the US proposal for a ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon by a 10-1 vote.