Iran has welcomed the “cessation of Israeli aggression” in Lebanon after the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah came into force. Tehran “welcomes the end of the Zionist regime’s aggression against Lebanon and supports the government, the nation and the Lebanese resistance,” said a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, reported by AFP.

AFP also reported that a senior official in Hamas has said that Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas hailed the truce that took hold in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners,” the official told AFP. He accused Israel of obstructing an agreement.

Officials from the US and Israel have expressed hope that the loss of Hezbollah’s military support would help push Hamas to sue for peace. According to Israel, Hamas has long maintained that it wants a ceasefire, but has been unwilling to meet Israeli demands on hostages.

International mediators, according to AFP, say Israeli demands about leaving troops in Gaza have also been an obstacle. They blame both sides for the impasse.


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