The United States and France have jointly called for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to allow for broader negotiations, as tensions continue to escalate in Lebanon. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, warned of the deteriorating situation in the region during a UN Security Council meeting.
The US and French presidents, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the need for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border to ensure safety for civilians. The ceasefire proposal was also supported by several other countries and international organizations.
The call for a ceasefire comes after Israel launched a three-day bombing campaign in Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of over 600 people, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. The US and its allies are urging both Israel and Lebanon to agree to the temporary truce to prevent further escalations across the border.
While talks have been ongoing, the situation remains volatile, with Lebanon accusing Israel of violating its sovereignty, and Iran being described as the driving force behind the instability in the region. The US is pushing for a comprehensive agreement between the two sides to allow residents to return to their homes safely.
The proposal for a temporary cessation of hostilities may also provide an opportunity to reopen discussions on a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. However, there is no indication yet of a definitive agreement between the parties involved. Amidst growing concerns over civilian casualties, the international community is emphasizing the need to end the conflict through diplomatic means.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com