After President Joe Biden expressed his desire to avoid a full-scale war in the Middle East at the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. and nine other nations plus the European Union called for a 21-day cease-fire across the Lebanon-Israel border. The joint statement emphasized the need for a diplomatic settlement to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has resulted in numerous casualties over the past year, with Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks escalating tensions. The U.S. is engaged in direct communication with the Lebanese government to negotiate the terms of a temporary cease-fire.
Concerned about the potential for a broader regional conflict, U.S. officials have been pushing for a cessation of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel’s military chief hinted at the possibility of a ground operation against Hezbollah, while Israel intercepted a missile aimed at civilian areas in Tel Aviv by Hezbollah. The diplomatic efforts also aimed to prevent the opening of a second front in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The involvement of multiple countries, including France, Australia, Canada, and others, underscores the international concern over the situation. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on achieving a peaceful resolution and preventing further escalation of hostilities in the region.
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