UNITED NATIONS, Apr 17: The United Nations welcomed the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing support for efforts to end the prolonged conflict.

“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and commends the role of the United States in facilitating the ceasefire,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement Thursday.

In earlier remarks, Dujarric told his news briefing that “obviously, we welcome steps that would end hostilities and suffering on both sides of the Blue Line.”

Noting that the UN “remains ready to support these efforts,” he also said that it continues to call for “the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701,” describing it as the pathway toward “a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution to the conflict.”

He stressed that “there is no military solution to this conflict,” as UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert continues diplomatic outreach with the parties.

Dujarric said that Guterres “further hopes that this agreement will contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.”

He  also highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon, warning that “the needs are continuing to deepen” across the country, with “civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the violence.”

Earlier on Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire starting at midnight local time in Tel Aviv and Beirut following recent talks in Washington, DC.

The ceasefire announcement follows US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations that took place on Tuesday at the State Department in Washington. The Lebanese group Hezbollah was not represented.