Australia Leads Group of Nations Calling for Lebanon Inclusion in Middle East Ceasefire

Australia has joined forces with several other countries to call for Lebanon to be included in the Middle East ceasefire agreement. The joint statement was released in the early hours of Thursday and was signed by foreign ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Sierra Leone and the UK.

Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong led the initiative, highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon.

The statement emphasizes the need to protect humanitarian personnel and uphold international humanitarian law. It states that attacks threatening the safety of aid workers must cease and that all parties to the conflict must comply with legal obligations in all circumstances. The group also addressed incidents involving UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

Overnight, Israel conducted its largest attack on Lebanon since the onset of its war with Hezbollah, resulting in at least 254 deaths and 837 injuries. This assault prompted warnings from Iranian officials that Tehran might withdraw from the ceasefire it agreed to with the United States earlier this week. The conflict has exacerbated displacement and humanitarian challenges in the region.

Israel's Prime Minister's Office stated that the two-week ceasefire deal does not cover Lebanon, contradicting a claim by mediator Pakistan. US President Donald Trump described the situation in Lebanon as a separate skirmish not included in the agreement. These positions highlight ongoing disagreements about the ceasefire's scope.

In an interview on ABC's RN Breakfast on Thursday, Penny Wong explained that Australia had advocated for the ceasefire to extend to Lebanon, with both Hezbollah and Israel observing it. She noted that continued fighting in Lebanon could jeopardize the broader regional ceasefire. Wong mentioned that the G7 and other countries have since echoed this position.

Wong confirmed she had not contacted her Israeli counterpart in the last 12 hours but had expressed Australia's views publicly. She described the ceasefire as fragile and stressed its importance for global stability and for Australians facing potential impacts on fuel prices. The statement underscores the stakes for humanitarian efforts and regional peace.

Looking ahead, the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire remains uncertain, with potential for further diplomatic efforts by the involved nations. Aid organizations continue to operate in southern Lebanon amid heightened risks. Monitoring by international bodies, including the UN, will be key to assessing compliance with humanitarian protections.