International Committee of the Red Cross calls Israel-Lebanon cease-fire 'encouraging' step

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Wednesday that the cease-fire deal between Israel and Lebanon is an "encouraging" step that would end the fighting and help bring some stability to a region exhausted by conflict.

"The ceasefire must be upheld and enforced across all levels of command to ensure much-needed respite for civilians on both sides of the border," ICRC said in a statement, adding that the deal must also facilitate the rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid for civilians.

It said ICRC is ready to scale up efforts to distribute essential items such as food and hygiene kits, and provide medical supplies and technical support to health care facilities to ensure they can meet the needs of returnees and help repair water and electricity infrastructure.

"Whilst the agreement brings a glimmer of hope, the region remains tense and the humanitarian situation in Gaza unacceptable," it said. "We reiterate our urgent call for the immediate respect of international humanitarian law (IHL); the protection of civilians and civilian objects; and an unhindered and increased flow of humanitarian assistance."

The cease-fire took effect early Wednesday, hours after US President Joe Biden said a proposal to end the conflict had been reached, amid hopes it would stop Israeli airstrikes against Lebanese towns and cities and end more than one year of cross-border fighting.

More than 3,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and north of 1 million displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.​​​​​​​