A Ceasefire Proposal in the Midst of Israeli-Hebanon Conflict: An International Call to Halt Violence and Fuel Peace Talks
The US, European Union, and around 11 other nations have jointly urged an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. This urge comes after recent calls from the Israeli military chief to soldiers to brace themselves for a possible land invasion into Lebanon. This follows days of Israeli attacks on the neighbouring country, which has led to over 600 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. The increasing unrest between America's ally and the Iran-supported militant group stokes fears of a wider regional clash.
Hezbollah and Israel, who extends support to the Iranian proxy group Hamas in its ongoing war against Israel, have experienced ongoing cross-border conflicts since a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. Around 1,200 people reportedly died from the violence. This conflict parallels Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip, leading to over 41,000 deaths, according to health officials in that Palestinian region. The tension escalated the past week due to deadly detonations across Lebanon, pinned on Israel by Hezbollah, succeeded by a series of Israeli airstrike. The recent turmoil led to thousands of displacements from both nations, marking the worst hostility between them from 2006 onwards.
The allied nations voiced the necessity of a diplomatic settlement so civilians on both sides of the border can safely return to their homes. Western countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, the E.U., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar have endorsed and agreed on this proposal. The response from Israel and Hezbollah remains uncertain. However, the broader ambition of the ceasefire is to reignite stagnant peace talks between Israel and Hamas.
President Joe Biden noted the potential for "all-out war" but expressed belief in an opportunity for a settlement which could induce major changes in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken first proposed the plan during a meeting with foreign ministers from seven nations. He asked them to abstain from any additional measures until then. The Qatari and Saudi foreign ministers expressed their support for this plan at a meeting with Blinken.
The Biden administration has also initiated communications with both Israel and Hezbollah. The Israel-US ambassador stated Israel's support for a cease-fire while hinting at the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York to address the General Assembly. However, he is not expected to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has displaced tens, if not hundreds of thousands on both sides, setting off a fresh migration wave into Syria.
Following the deadliest attack in Lebanon, Israel heightened its aerial assault on Lebanon and issued a civilian evacuation notice from Hezbollah-dominated areas. The past Monday proved to be the most brutal day in the clash between Israel and Lebanon since their war in 2006, with almost 500 people losing their lives.
The Israeli Defense Forces chief made an unlikely preparation request for a potential ground invasion, marking it their first since 2006. He also clarified that the US military is not offering intelligence aid for Israel's current operations in Lebanon, maintaining a non-involvement stance in Israeli operations within Lebanon.