The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, welcomed the entry into force of the ceasefire in Lebanon in a statement, calling it “a first fragile step towards the protection of civilian populations in the region”. In his statement, Mr Berset emphasised that multilateralism is “the only just and efficient means to prevent and solve conflicts peacefully”. However, he stressed, the “recent and repeated attacks on the multilateral system and the fundamental principles of the United Nations are worrying” and threaten global stability and progress toward lasting peace, be they “flagrant violations of international law, breaches of UN resolutions or attempts to undermine multilateral institutions”. The Secretary General of the pan-European institution expressed solidarity with the United Nations and all its agencies, which “play a crucial role in providing vital assistance to people in vulnerable situations, including those who no longer have the option of fleeing”. Mr Berset called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis caused by massive attacks, the destruction of essential infrastructure, the threat of imminent famine and the extensive loss of civilian life, including thousands of children. He concluded by reiterating his call “for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza and throughout the region, for the protection of the civilian population and for respect for international law. Justice, solidarity and human rights are the means for building a lasting peace”.