New York, Sep 26
The US, France and other allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has claimed over 600 lives in Lebanon in recent days.
The appeal was made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday by the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and Qatar.
"The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of broader regional escalation. This is in no one's interest, neither the people of Israel nor Lebanon," according to a joint statement of the countries.
The allies emphasised that diplomacy cannot succeed amid continued conflict.
"It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that allows civilians on both sides of the border to return to safety," the statement added.
The joint call urged for the 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomatic negotiations, in line with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
"We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to immediately endorse the ceasefire and give diplomacy a real chance to resolve the crisis," the statement urged.