International
US, France Push for 21-Day Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
United States, France, and several allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border, also signaling support for a broader truce in Gaza.
This call was issued late Wednesday in a statement released by the White House.
“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,” the joint statement declared.
It urged both Israel and Lebanon to agree to the ceasefire, creating space for diplomacy to advance toward a peaceful resolution.
“Thus, we call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement.”
The appeal was issued by the United States, France, the European Union, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, among other partner nations.
A senior U.S. official shared more insight, telling reporters, “We have had those discussions for quite some time.”
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The official emphasized that Washington and its allies are working to turn these ongoing talks into a larger agreement during the proposed ceasefire period.
It is hoped that this 21-day pause in Lebanon could create room for more diplomatic efforts, potentially extending to Gaza, where a ceasefire remains elusive.
The official expressed optimism, noting that the situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire.
Israel’s war there, following a deadly October 7th attack by Hamas militants, has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with widespread hunger, displacement, and accusations of genocide, which Israel strongly denies.
Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have heightened fears of a larger regional conflict.
Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday intensified, hitting Hezbollah leaders and military targets deep inside Lebanon, where many have already fled the border regions.
In response, Hezbollah launched numerous rocket attacks into Israel. Both sides have suffered casualties, and the death toll in Lebanon continues to rise.
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