US and allies push for a 21‑day ceasefire amid escalating conflict
The United States and its allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire on the Israeli-Lebanese border. This is to prevent the outbreak of total war in the region and to allow the resumption of suspended talks on hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas.
The proposal, described by a senior US official as a "necessary breakthrough", came during deadly clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which, according to many, could escalate into a wider conflict.
Hoping to prevent such a turn of events, diplomats and leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly have spent the last 48 hours drafting a plan to halt the fighting and enable diplomatic talks.
Israel and Hezbollah have not yet taken a position. However, US officials have said both sides are "familiar" with the proposal and have expressed preliminary approval.
Allies in a joint statement: "The situation is unbearable"
"The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon," said a joint statement published late Wednesday evening.
President Joe Biden stated that the plan has gained support from the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
"We were able to generate significant support from Europe, as well as the Arab nations," Biden told reporters. "It’s important this war not widen," emphasised the US president.
Hoping for a peaceful resolution of the conflict
The immediate goal of the agreement is to de-escalate tensions and facilitate the evacuation of civilians. Officials also hope that the agreement will allow for diplomatic talks to resume and lead to the release of the remaining Hamas hostages, who have been in captivity for nearly a year.
The ceasefire proposal was consulted with both sides before being publicly presented. On Wednesday, Blinken and senior White House advisor Amos Hochstein met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, one of the mediators conveying the details to Hezbollah. The United States has been conveying messages to Hezbollah through mediators for several days.
Fighting continues, Israel does not confirm acceptance of the agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet responded to the 21-day ceasefire proposal on the border with Lebanon, the office of the Israeli head of government said on Thursday. It added that the prime minister has, however, ordered the continuation of fighting in the Gaza Strip and with Hezbollah.
Netanyahu flew to New York for the UN General Assembly session in the morning. During his absence, he is being replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who announced that fighting with Hezbollah will continue until victory and complete security for northern Israel is achieved.
Hundreds killed in Lebanon, including children
Meanwhile, mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah continues. In the intense Israeli bombings of Lebanon since Monday, over 600 people have been killed, including at least 72 on Wednesday. At least 50 of the fatalities are children. Around half a million people have fled the attacks, and hospitals are overwhelmed with thousands of injured, reported Reuters.
The Israeli armed forces said that airstrikes hit 75 Hezbollah positions overnight. A new wave of airstrikes was announced shortly after midday GMT on Thursday.
Israeli commanders have already announced that the military is also being prepared for a ground operation in southern Lebanon, which could lead to further escalation of tensions in the region.
