On December 5, 2024, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib met with Australian Ambassador to Lebanon Andrew Barnes to discuss ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese territory. Bou Habib emphasized the need for Israel to withdraw from all occupied Lebanese lands, highlighting this as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and stability along the border.
During the meeting, Bou Habib expressed hope that the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee would commence its work soon to address these violations. Ambassador Barnes conveyed the Australian government’s support for the recently established ceasefire and acknowledged the importance of the Lebanese community in Australia in advocating for Lebanese issues.
In a related context, Bou Habib also met with Canadian Ambassador Stephanie McCullum to address the situation in Lebanon following the ceasefire announcement. He urged Canada and other allied nations to support the Lebanese government’s reconstruction efforts and to bolster assistance for the Lebanese military and state institutions as they face significant responsibilities in the upcoming period.
Ambassador McCullum reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast support for the Lebanese armed forces and security forces, stressing the importance of electing a new president and forming a new government.
Additionally, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri held discussions with U.S. General Jasper Jefferies, head of the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee, regarding the overall situation in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect.