US and several allies call for 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah

The US and several allies on Wednesday demanded an immediate 21-day cease-fire in the escalating fight between Israel and Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. 

“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,” read a joint statement released by the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Qatar.

“This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,” the statement continued.

“It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.” 

The US and its allies argued that diplomacy “cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.”  

“Thus we call for an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement,” the countries demanded. 

The statement follows a massive, multi-day bombing campaign in Lebanon that has left more than 600 people dead, including several top Hezbollah commanders. 

The attacks represent the deadliest strikes against Lebanon in nearly two decades, and have sparked fears of an all-out war between Israel and its northern neighbor. 

The government’s of Israel and Lebanon did not immediately react to the cease-fire call, according to the Associated Press.

Neither did the Iranian-backed terror group. 

Senior US officials indicated that all parties were aware of the call for a cease-fire, the outlet reported, and that Hezbollah would not be a signatory to the deal but may accept the terms of it if convinced by the Lebanese government. 

The officials noted that they expect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “welcome” the proposal when he addresses the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.

Tens of thousands have already fled southern Lebanon and northern Israel amid a nearly year-long back-and-forth of missile exchanges since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on the Jewish State. 

Israeli officials have previously suggested a cease-fire could be reached so long as Hezbollah agrees to stop firing first. 

The terror group has said it would continue to attack in solidarity with Hamas, with the terror group vowing revenge over the mass pager and walkie-talkie detonations that killed nearly 40 people and wounded more than 3,000 others last week.