US and allies call for 21-day ceasefire across Lebanon-Israel border

Allies including the US, UK and EU have called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, after fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated.

The 12-nation bloc has proposed an immediate 21-day ceasefire “to create space for diplomacy towards a diplomatic solution” and a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a joint statement, they said the hostile actions were “unacceptable” and posed “an unacceptable risk of a broader escalation in the region” that was not in the interests of the people of Israel or Lebanon.

It comes after Israel’s army chief told troops that widespread air strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah could open the way for them to “infiltrate enemy territory”.

Lieutenant General Halevi’s comments are the clearest indication yet from a senior figure that a ground invasion of Lebanon could be imminent.

The joint statement was signed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Qatar.

The incident took place after a meeting of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

A joint statement by US President Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron said it was time for a solution that “guarantees the safety and security of returning people to their homes”.

They said the current hostilities threatened “a much broader conflict and harm to civilians”.

“Therefore, in recent days, we have jointly issued a call for a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalation at the border.”

President Biden told reporters at the White House on Wednesday evening that there was “significant support from Europe as well as Arab states… it’s important that the war doesn’t spread.”

Earlier in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said “hell is rising”.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said his country was “facing a blatant violation of its sovereignty and human rights through brutal acts by its enemy Israel”.

He added that he hoped to leave the UN session with a “serious resolution” to “put pressure on Israel to achieve an immediate ceasefire on all fronts”. Asked by Reuters if a ceasefire could be achieved soon, he replied: “Hopefully so”.

Also speaking earlier, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said they were grateful for diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation but would use “all available means, under international law, to achieve our objectives”.

He said Israel “does not want all-out war” and has “made clear” its desire for peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in New York on Thursday, have bilateral meetings later in the day and address the General Assembly the following morning, Danon added.