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The Gulf Cooperation Council welcomed a US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel aimed at restoring sovereignty and securing Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said in a June 28 statement. The secretary general voiced the bloc’s full support for Lebanon reclaiming its rights, extending sovereignty over all territory in a manner that restricts peace and war decisions to legitimate institutions and enables the people to live in security, stability and prosperity while praising the United States for its pivotal facilitating role and reiterating support for dialogue and peaceful means.
In the statement Albudaiwi underscored the GCC states’ backing for the language of dialogue along with peaceful and diplomatic approaches to resolving all conflicts. He highlighted how the framework agreement contributes to these goals following its signing two days prior. Reports from Al Jazeera indicate the deal was finalized in Washington after five rounds of negotiations brokered by the US.
The agreement establishes a clear process to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and disarm Hezbollah while achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities according to Politico. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh described it as a first step on the road to territorial integrity and allowing displaced residents to return home. President Joseph Aoun thanked the Trump administration for enabling the Lebanese to live with their heads held high under full state sovereignty.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio viewed the signing as an initial move toward peace where both nations’ sovereignty would be respected. The framework includes a slight pullback of Israeli Defense Forces from southern Lebanon areas and sets performance-based conditions for further US assistance. It notably leaves Iran and Hezbollah out of the peace pathway Rubio added in remarks.
This welcome continues the GCC’s engagement with Lebanese stability issues building upon its November 2024 statement welcoming a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israeli forces that Albudaiwi hoped would advance UN Resolution 1701. That resolution requires Israel to respect Lebanese borders and calls for the area south of the Litani River to be free of unauthorized armed groups. The GCC has repeatedly called for full implementation of international resolutions on Lebanon according to its official website.
The United Arab Emirates also welcomed the trilateral framework in a statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency on June 27. It expressed that the deal better prepares the region to confront threats from the Iranian regime and its proxies. Other GCC members are anticipated to echo the secretary general’s position in coming days.
The framework agreement was signed at the US State Department with ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon participating alongside American officials. It seeks to address security concerns along the border that have persisted for decades. Officials involved described the pact as a structured path toward normalized relations and lasting peace in the region.
