The US and France have called for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to allow for broader negotiations, as the UN Secretary-General warns of escalating conflict in Lebanon. The joint statement issued by President Biden and President Macron emphasizes the need for safety and security along the Israel-Lebanon border to protect civilians. The call for a ceasefire has been supported by several other countries and international organizations.
Despite Israel’s preparation for a possible ground operation in Lebanon following a deadly bombing campaign, world leaders are urging both sides to embrace the temporary truce. The proposed ceasefire is not applicable to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Tensions at the UN Security Council meeting highlight the urgency for halting the violence, with Lebanon accusing Israel of violating sovereignty and Israeli representatives emphasizing Iran’s role in regional instability. While calls for an immediate ceasefire have been made by some, others are cautious about equating the actions of Israel and Hezbollah.
The proposed 21-day cessation of hostilities is seen as a potential opportunity to revive discussions on a Gaza ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as well as to address the escalating violence in Lebanon. The US stresses the importance of a comprehensive resolution to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.
As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, the focus remains on finding a diplomatic solution to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East and prevent further conflict in the region. The coming days will be crucial in determining the response to the ceasefire proposal and the future of negotiations between the involved parties.
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