A joint statement from Australia, the United States and other allies is calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border.
The proposal was prompted by the deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah which many fear could spill into a wider conflict.
The statement, which was negotiated in New York at the United Nations General Assembly, said the situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8 in 2023 “is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation”.
You can read the statement in full below.
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”This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,” the statement said.
“It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.
“Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.”
The countries calling for a ceasefire include Australia, the United States, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Qatar.
Israel and Hezbollah have yet to agree.
The statement comes as the Israeli army chief said the military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon.
“We were able to generate significant support from Europe, as well as the Arab nations,” US President Joe Biden told reporters late Wednesday.
“It’s important this war not widen.”
Full joint statement by the United States, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Qatar:
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.
It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.
Diplomacy however 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 consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza
We call on all parties, including the Governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with UNSCR 1701 during this period, and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement.
We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.
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