Rhino: Agencies – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group that went into effect earlier on Wednesday is the “first ray of hope” in the region’s conflict after months of escalation.

“It is essential that those who signed the ceasefire pledge fully respect this commitment,” he said in a brief televised statement during a visit to his hometown of Lisbon, adding that the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon is ready to monitor the ceasefire. He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Referring to the agreement, Guterich said: “Yesterday I received a hopeful sign. “The first ray of hope for peace amidst the darkness of the past months. “It is a moment of great significance, especially for the civilians who are paying a heavy price for this widening conflict.