Germany has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, saying it hoped the truce could pave the way for a “future as good neighbours”, reports AFP.

The 10-day truce announced by US President Donald Trump “can offer people on both sides of the border an important respite”, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a statement.

He said direct talks launched this week in Washington opened the door to “a future as good neighbours” provided “Israel’s legitimate security interests and Lebanon’s right to territorial integrity and sovereignty” were both respected.

He added the two sides must now work on border security, civilian protection along the Blue Line and the safety of UN peacekeepers deployed with Unifil.

“Lasting security in the region will only be possible with the effective disarmament of Hezbollah,” he said, adding it was now up to the Lebanese government to “implement this effectively”.

The foreign minister thanked Washington “for its efforts as mediator, particularly over the past few days”.