US and France Push for 21-Day Lebanon Ceasefire to Stop Region from Spiraling into War
The United States and France have jointly proposed a 21-day Lebanon ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to pave the way for broader peace negotiations. This action is being taken in response to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ dire warning that “hell is breaking loose” in Lebanon during a contentious UN Security Council meeting.
(Also read Israel Launched Extensive Strikes In Fortified Hezbollah Regions.)
The recent escalation has led to fears of a broader regional conflict. The intensity of Israel’s air campaign has raised alarms, with over 600 Lebanese civilians reported dead after a three-day bombing spree.
Call for a 21-Day Lebanon Ceasefire
The call for a temporary ceasefire came from US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. They emphasised that “the exchange of fire since October 7th” is pushing the region toward a larger conflict, endangering civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. Both leaders urged immediate support for the proposal to halt hostilities.
They highlighted that a temporary truce would allow civilians to return to their homes, promote regional stability, and offer a platform for continued diplomatic efforts.
A Coalition in Support
The US-France ceasefire proposal received backing from multiple international players, including the UK, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. This wide support is aimed at ensuring the 21-day Lebanon ceasefire gains traction among all stakeholders in the region.
Diplomatic Unrest at the UN
During a heated UN Security Council meeting, the announcement was made. Najib Mikati, the prime minister of Lebanon, demanded international action and accused Israel of infringing on Lebanon’s sovereignty. He noted that hospitals in Lebanon are overwhelmed and unable to accommodate more victims.
Israel’s UN representative, meanwhile, insisted that his nation did not want a full-scale conflict and accused Iran of causing instability in the area. Iran, a prominent supporter of Hezbollah, countered by accusing the US and UK of providing Israel with unconditional support.
Israel’s Perspective on the Conflict
Israeli military officials indicated the possibility of launching a ground operation into Lebanon, heightening concerns about a broader confrontation. Preparations for such a move are reportedly underway, though some international players, including the Pentagon, downplayed the immediate likelihood of this escalation.
General Herzi Halevi, Israel’s top military commander, commented that the goal is to prevent a repeat of an “October 7th-like attack” and ensure long-term security.
Ceasefire Proposal’s Terms
The proposed 21-day Lebanon ceasefire would apply specifically to the Israel-Lebanon border, also known as the Blue Line. It does not extend to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This distinction has sparked debate within diplomatic circles, as some view it as an incomplete solution that ignores a major source of regional instability.
US diplomats clarified that the 21-day period was chosen to create a window for negotiations aimed at a long-term settlement. The idea is to restore security along the Blue Line and provide displaced residents the chance to return to their homes.
Mixed Reactions at the UN
The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed support for an immediate ceasefire, stating that “a full-blown war is not in the interests of the Israeli or Lebanese people.” He also condemned Hezbollah’s rocket attacks and called on Iran to leverage its influence to persuade the group to agree to a ceasefire.
However, US officials resisted calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, warning that such a move might imply equal blame for Israel and Hezbollah. The US has long designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, which complicates its stance on an unconditional truce.
Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate rapidly. More than 500,000 civilians have been displaced, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Many have fled southern Lebanon, seeking refuge in northern regions or neighbouring countries.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati reported that the country’s hospitals are operating beyond capacity. Supplies are dwindling, and medical facilities are struggling to keep up with the influx of casualties.
Hezbollah’s Response
Strong political and militant organisation Hezbollah in Lebanon has hinted that it may end hostilities if a ceasefire is also reached in Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown no indication of agreeing to such a move, leading to a continued deadlock.
Netanyahu is expected to outline his stance on the proposed 21-day Lebanon ceasefire during his visit to New York, where he will engage in further discussions with world leaders.
Iran’s Role
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused Israel of trying to provoke a full-scale war and pledged support for Hezbollah. He warned that Iran would not sit back if the conflict continues to escalate, hinting at potential broader involvement.
This stance has fueled fears that the conflict could extend beyond the current battlefield, drawing in regional powers and leading to a devastating proxy war.
Wider Implications
The ceasefire proposal also has implications for the broader region, with hopes that it could eventually lead to a reduction in hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Hezbollah has hinted that it might halt its rocket strikes if Hamas agrees to a truce in Gaza, although there has been no progress on that front.
Diplomats are watching closely to see if the 21-day Lebanon ceasefire could serve as a foundation for a comprehensive peace agreement.
What’s Next?
Both Israel and Lebanon are expected to formally respond to the proposal within the coming hours. The world community is still on edge and alert for anything that can further destabilise the area.
The situation is still unstable, and a mistake may send the two countries into a long-lasting war. As the world watches, the US and France are betting on diplomacy to avert a new catastrophe in the Middle East.
