The United States, France, and several allied nations have called for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border and expressed support for a similar ceasefire in Gaza. This announcement came after extensive discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday.
The ceasefire would affect the “Blue Line,” the border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, facilitating negotiations towards a potential diplomatic resolution, according to a senior official from the Biden administration. The joint statement, issued by the White House, urged all involved parties, including the Israeli and Lebanese governments, to immediately endorse the temporary ceasefire. The allies supporting this statement included Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union.
On the same day, Israel intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in at least 72 fatalities and over 223 injuries, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Israel’s military leadership hinted at the possibility of a ground invasion, raising concerns that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional war.
The Biden administration has been engaging with officials in both Israel and Lebanon to decrease hostilities. The senior official indicated that these discussions have been ongoing and that there is a concerted effort to turn them into a broader agreement during the proposed ceasefire period.
President Biden has emphasized the need for a ceasefire in many of his recent discussions with world leaders at the UN General Assembly. Based on consultations with Israeli and Lebanese officials, the U.S. and its allies believe this is an opportune moment to advocate for a ceasefire.
Before a UN Security Council meeting, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed Israel’s openness to a ceasefire and preference for a diplomatic resolution. However, he also stated that Iran is central to the violence in the region and that dismantling its threat is essential for peace.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire call, indicating that its success hinges on Israel’s commitment to international resolutions. He expressed hope for a quick resolution.
World leaders are increasingly alarmed by the rapidly escalating conflict in Lebanon, which parallels Israel’s military actions in Gaza against Hamas, a group also supported by Iran. As casualties rise in Lebanon and thousands are displaced, the situation remains dire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the UN General Assembly on Friday, following his arrival in New York on Thursday.
The U.S. administration has struggled for nearly a year to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, and the violence in Lebanon adds to the political challenges facing President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly as the conflict escalates.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israel intercepted a missile fired by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which claimed it was targeting the Mossad intelligence headquarters near Tel Aviv. Israeli officials clarified that the missile was actually headed for civilian areas.
General Herzi Halevi informed Israeli troops on the border that airstrikes were ongoing to prepare for a potential ground incursion and to weaken Hezbollah. Meanwhile, a Pentagon spokesperson noted that an Israeli ground invasion does not seem imminent.
According to Lebanon’s foreign minister, up to half a million people may have been displaced, with many taking refuge in schools and other facilities in Beirut.
Israeli airstrikes have specifically targeted Hezbollah leaders and numerous sites across Lebanon, prompting a significant exodus from the border areas. Mourners gathered in Beirut for the funerals of two senior Hezbollah commanders killed in recent strikes, highlighting the intense atmosphere as the conflict continues.
Israel has prioritized securing its northern border and facilitating the return of approximately 70,000 residents who were displaced amid ongoing violence since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Lebanese hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties following Israeli bombings that resulted in over 550 deaths—the deadliest day in Lebanon since the end of its civil war in 1990.
Follow us on our social media platforms here: Twitter WHATSAPP CHANNEL FACEBOOK PAGE
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.