The United States and several allies have demanded an immediate 21-day ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon on Wednesday. A joint statement released by the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Qatar expressed concern over the ongoing violence which poses an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation.
The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is deemed intolerable, as it is not in the best interests of either people. The statement calls for a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes safely. The US and its allies argued that diplomacy cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict, thus they 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 joint statement follows a massive, multi-day bombing campaign in Lebanon that has left more than 600 people dead, including several top Hezbollah commanders. The attacks represent the deadliest strikes against Lebanon in nearly two decades and have sparked fears of an all-out war between Israel and its northern neighbor.
Neither the Israeli nor Lebanese governments immediately reacted to the ceasefire call, according to the Associated Press. Nor did the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah. However, senior US officials indicated that all parties were aware of the call for a cease-fire and that Hezbollah would not be a signatory to the deal but may accept the terms if convinced by the Lebanese government.
The joint statement comes amid growing concerns over the escalating violence in the region, with tens of thousands already fleeing southern Lebanon and northern Israel amid a nearly year-long back-and-forth of missile exchanges since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on the Jewish State. Israeli officials have previously suggested a cease-fire could be reached so long as Hezbollah agrees to stop firing first.
In conclusion, the United States and its allies are urging both Israel and Lebanon to accept a ceasefire in order to prevent further escalation of violence in the region. The joint statement emphasizes the need for diplomacy and a safe return for civilians on both sides of the border.
