Antony Blinken: Lebanese ceasefire could have 'very positive effects' on ending conflict in Gaza

"So if this is finally agreed, and if this goes forward, it is the answer to the problem that has bedeviled the area for a couple of decades," Blinken said.

By HANNAH SARISOHN NOVEMBER 26, 2024 19:58

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a press conference on the second day of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, November 26, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/CLAUDIA GRECO)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed reporters from the Group of 7 (G7) meeting in Italy on Tuesday afternoon within the hour of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's expected announcement of a ceasefire deal with Lebanon. 

"So if this is finally agreed, and if this goes forward, it is the answer to the problem that has bedeviled the area for a couple of decades," Blinken said.

"And is the best way to guarantee that there is peace, there is civility, there is stability, and this constant threat of attack from Hezbollah, which has caused people to leave their homes, kids to not be able to go to school, is over."

First responders work at the site of an Israeli strike, amid hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut, Lebanon, November 26, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI)

People in Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon can return to their homes, he said, which is the immediate effect of the agreement. 

'Also ending the conflict in Gaza'

"What's at stake as well, I think, are the larger ramifications of getting an agreement, including what I believe can be very positive effects on also ending the conflict in Gaza," Blinken added.

Blinken credited the US for efforts to maintain and increase humanitarian aid in Gaza and work towards ceasefires on the Lebanese and Gazan fronts. 

"It's also fair to say that what we've seen today would not have happened without US engagement, without US determination," he said. "So we're intensely focused on this. We will be till the last day of this administration."