International Conference in Paris: Ceasefire in Lebanon with focus on political and military aspects

Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

In an effort to end the ongoing war in Lebanon and provide much-needed support during its unprecedented crisis, France, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, convened an international conference in Paris. 

The gathering brought together representatives from 70 countries and 15 international organizations.

Despite the significance of the conference, the participation of key global players was less than expected. 

Notably, the United States and Saudi Arabia were represented at lower diplomatic levels. 

The U.S., preoccupied with its upcoming presidential election in November, is unlikely to exert substantial pressure to end the conflict until the election outcome becomes clear. 

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, represented by its Deputy Foreign Minister, maintained its stance, supporting a ceasefire as its approach to providing aid to Lebanon remained unchanged since 2019.

For Saudi Arabia, Lebanon must move beyond unfulfilled promises of state-building to actual reform. This includes electing a new president who can restore political stability, enact necessary reforms, and regain international trust in Lebanon as a functioning state free from corruption and sectarian divisions.

At the conclusion of the Paris Conference, pledges were made, including a commitment of $1 billion in aid for Lebanon, with $200 million earmarked for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). France alone pledged 100 million euros to support this cause.

The conference also underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire, the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, and the election of a Lebanese president. 

However, the recommendations made during the conference are not binding.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated Lebanon's commitment to implement U.N. Resolution 1701 and urged an immediate ceasefire. 

As for Macron, he affirmed France's support for Lebanon amid the ongoing war, calling for a ceasefire. He also 'regrets that Iran is engaging Hezbollah against Israel' as Lebanon's interests lie far from the Gaza war.

However, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted that attacks on U.N. peacekeepers are unacceptable. "An immediate ceasefire is needed now along with meaningful steps towards fully implementing Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701."

A significant portion of the conference was dedicated to bolstering the Lebanese army's presence in South Lebanon in cooperation with international forces amid growing Israeli pressure. 

Brigadier General Youssef Haddad, representing the LAF at the conference, emphasized the army's dual challenge: "While monitoring the situation in the south, the Lebanese army is also focused on the country's internal stability." 

"Social cohesion among Lebanon's communities is a critical pillar of national unity, and the LAF is fully aware of its responsibility to maintain this. Therefore, more than ever, we need your support to create a safe environment that benefits the security and stability of the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and Europe," Haddad stated.

While aid has been pledged and will likely reach Lebanon, the conditions for a full ceasefire remain unclear and have yet to be finalized.