|PIC1|The Evangelical Alliance has welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East as Israel begins its withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon.

"This is the time for peacemakers and peacekeepers to redouble their efforts to maintain a just and lasting peace in the region," it says.

"Now that the ceasefire has been agreed, reconstruction will undoubtedly be costly.

"We welcome Hilary Benn's announcement of a further £6 million in aid to help with the reconstruction process."

The general director of the Evangelical Alliance, Joel Edwards, commented: "Although tensions in the region have eased, Christians should continue to pray for peace.

|AD|"We commend the Archbishop of York's initiative in fasting and praying for peace, and encourage other Christians to commit themselves to pray for the Middle East."

Last month numerous aid agencies and Christian organisations, including the General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), joined the chorus of calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

Israel began withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon on the second day of the U.N.-imposed ceasefire as aid groups hoped for greater access to deliver much-needed relief to the Lebanese refugees returning home.

The world watched with some anxiety on Tuesday as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah continued to hold despite at least six Hezbollah militiamen killed by Israeli troops on Monday and at least 10 rockets fired by the guerrilla group.

Aid groups, which had demanded safe humanitarian corridors during the conflict, hope the ceasefire will be permanent and allow local partners to gain improved access to the worst affected communities in southern Lebanon.