US and Allies Urge 21-Day Ceasefire Along Israel-Lebanon Border

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AP

Over 600 people have been killed and nearly 500,000 displaced in Lebanon since Monday due to intensive Israeli airstrikes, prompting a call for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. This proposal has been put forth by the United States and a coalition of allies, including the UK, EU, and several Arab nations, amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The joint statement issued by U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgent need for safety and security in the region. They urged both Israel and Lebanon to agree to a temporary halt in hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties and allow for diplomatic efforts to take root. "The exchange of fire since October 7th, especially over the past two weeks, threatens a much broader conflict and poses risks to civilians," the leaders stated. They believe that a ceasefire would enable displaced individuals to return to their homes safely.

The call for a ceasefire follows remarks from Israel’s military chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, who suggested that ongoing airstrikes against Hezbollah could lead to Israeli forces entering Lebanese territory. The U.S. and its allies warned that continued hostilities could escalate into a wider regional conflict.

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While the international community has rallied around this ceasefire proposal, official responses from both the Israeli and Lebanese governments have yet to be released. A senior U.S. official indicated that negotiations are ongoing, with expectations that the Lebanese government, rather than Hezbollah, would take the lead in addressing non-state actors within its borders.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, describing the situation as dire, stating that “hell is breaking loose” in the region.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli airstrikes, labeling them a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. He expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution that would compel Israel to agree to the ceasefire, highlighting the blatant violations of human rights and sovereignty that Lebanon is facing.

In response, Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, asserted that while Israel does not seek a full-scale war, it remains committed to using “all means at our disposal” to protect its citizens in accordance with international law.

As tensions mount, cross-border hostilities continue, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israeli military and intelligence installations. Iran, a key ally of Hezbollah, has condemned the Israeli airstrikes, warning of a potential “full-scale catastrophe” in the region. Tehran has pledged to support Lebanon “by all means necessary” should Israel escalate its military actions.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as diplomatic efforts are made to address the ongoing conflict and its ramifications for regional stability.