Washington (TDI): The United States (US), France, and several allies have urged an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border, with support for truce in Gaza, following intense discussions at the United Nations.
The proposed ceasefire would apply to the Israel-Lebanon “Blue Line,” allowing both parties to negotiate a potential diplomatic resolution, according to a senior Biden administration official.
The joint statement, released by the White House, urged all involved, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire without delay.
The countries signing the statement include Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union.
The call for a ceasefire comes, as Israel intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in at least 72 deaths and over 223 injuries, according to Lebanese health ministry reports.
Read More: UAE, US Presidents Meet to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire
Israel’s military chief has hinted at a possible ground assault, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
The U.S. has been actively engaging with officials from both Israel and Lebanon to de-escalate tensions.
Also Read More: US urges Lebanon to elect new President to rescue its economy
President Biden has emphasized the need for a ceasefire in nearly every conversation he has had with world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly this week.
