US, France, allies call for 21-day ceasefire on Israel-Lebanon border

The United States, France, and several allies have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border, following intense diplomatic discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday.

This ceasefire, which would apply to the "Blue Line" demarcation between the two countries, aims to halt hostilities and create a window for potential negotiations towards a long-term resolution of the conflict.

In a joint statement released by the White House, the US, France, and other nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the European Union, urged Israel and Lebanon to endorse the ceasefire immediately.

The Biden administration official leading the talks emphasized the need to stop the escalating violence, particularly as Israel expanded its airstrikes across Lebanon, which have killed at least 72 people in the past day alone.

The call for a ceasefire comes as Israeli forces continue to conduct airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, while Hezbollah launches rocket barrages into Israel.

The conflict has displaced an estimated half a million Lebanese civilians, with many fleeing southern Lebanon for safer areas. Lebanese hospitals are overwhelmed, according to the country’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

The 21-day ceasefire proposal seeks to create a diplomatic opening to prevent further violence and negotiate a broader settlement.

US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have been in close contact with world leaders at the UN General Assembly, working towards securing support for the temporary halt in hostilities.

Both leaders stressed the need for stability on the Israel-Lebanon border to ensure civilians can return home without fear of further conflict.

Israeli officials, while open to the ceasefire, have also indicated the possibility of a ground invasion into Lebanon. Israeli military chief General Herzi Halevi said preparations are underway for such an operation, though the Pentagon has downplayed the likelihood of an imminent assault.

Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has been heavily involved in the conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced support for Hezbollah and warned that Iran would not stand idly by if the situation spirals further.

The ceasefire proposal does not extend to the separate conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

However, officials hope the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire could pave the way for broader peace efforts across the region.

With both Israel and Lebanon expected to respond to the ceasefire proposal in the coming hours, world leaders are anxiously watching the situation, hoping to avoid a wider regional conflict that could draw in more nations.

Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday claimed the lives of 72 people across Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, bringing the total death toll from the bombings to over 620.

Lebanon’s foreign minister reported that approximately 500,000 people have been displaced due to Israel's extensive bombing campaign throughout the country.

President Joe Biden, addresing the 79th, and his last, United Nations General Assembly session in New York on Wednesday, reiterated his support for a two-state solution, highlighting that the creation of a peaceful Palestinian state is the only path to permanent peace in the region.

"Full-scale war is not in anyone's interest," Biden said, urging for continued dialogue despite the escalating violence. His remarks came as Israel continued military strikes in Lebanon, raising concerns of an expanding conflict.

He used his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to reflect on his administration’s diplomatic efforts amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.

He acknowledged the challenges facing the world but expressed optimism, citing decades of international cooperation as a reason for hope.