KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry is closely monitoring the latest developments following the implementation of a 10-day ceasefire between the Lebanese government and Israel, which came into effect yesterday.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) said this was a positive step after tensions escalated in recent weeks.
However, he noted that the security situation on the ground remains uncertain following reports of several ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon.
“As such, all parties must fully respect the agreement that has been reached to prevent tensions from flaring up again,” he said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, following six weeks of intense fighting that has left thousands dead and displaced over a million people in Lebanon.
Mohamed Khaled said the ministry’s main priority remains the safety of personnel from the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13, who are currently serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).
“So far, all Malbatt personnel have been reported safe and continue to carry out their duties in line with the mandate given,” he said.
He added that the ministry, through the Joint Forces Headquarters, would continue to closely monitor the security situation.
Mohamed Khaled also said Malbatt personnel remain on high alert to face any eventuality.
