A temporary truce in Lebanon has been demanded by allies such as the US, UK, and EU following to an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
In order “to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement,” the 12-member bloc called for an immediate 21-day a ceasefire in Gaza.
They declared in unison that the fighting was “intolerable” and that there was a “unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation” that did not serve the interests of either the Israeli or Lebanese people.
It follows after Israel’s military leader warned soldiers that broad airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon may open the door for them to “enter enemy territory.”
“US and allies demand a 21-day ceasefire along the border between Israel and Lebanon.”
It happened when world leaders convened in New York for the UN General Assembly.
In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden stated that a settlement “that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes” was long overdue.
They said that “a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians” are threatened by the ongoing hostilities.
“We therefore worked together in recent days on jointly asking for a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy the chance to succeed and avoid further escalations across the border.”
In a quick interview with reporters on Wednesday night at the White House, President Biden stated that “strong support from Europe as well as the Arab nations… It’s critical that the conflict stays contained.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier in the day in New York declared that “hell is breaking loose” and called for an immediate ceasefire.
According to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, his nation is “facing a blatant violation of our sovereignty and human rights through the brutal practices of the Israeli enemy”.
With a “serious solution” in hand, he expressed his hope that he could “put pressure on Israel to achieve an immediate ceasefire on all fronts” before leaving the UN meeting. When Reuters asked whether a truce might be struck quickly, he answered, “Hopefully, yes.”
Prior to this, Israel’s envoy to the UN, Danny Danon, expressed gratitude for diplomatic attempts to prevent an escalation and stated that his country would employ “all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims.”
Reportedly, Israel “does not seek a full-scale war” and has expressed a “clear” desire for peace.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, will land in New York on Thursday, Mr. Danon said. He will hold bilateral meetings later that day and address the General Assembly the next morning.
Source: BBC
