The United States, European Union, and other countries have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to prevent further escalation of the conflict which could lead to a broader regional war. The violence between the two parties has intensified since Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in over 600 deaths in Lebanon and displacing thousands of people in both countries. The joint statement issued by the countries emphasized the need for a diplomatic settlement to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides of the border. The proposal has been supported by several nations, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and others, with the goal of ending the violence and potentially restarting peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The ceasefire also aims to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas for almost a year. The response of Israel and Hezbollah to the ceasefire proposal is still uncertain, but the international community is hopeful that it will pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and prevent further loss of life.
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