Lebanon: France, US in diplomatic move, push for 21-days ceasefire

Following the increase in the death toll mounted from strikes by Israel against Hezbollah, France, has unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in a UN diplomatic push with the United States.

France president, Emmanuel Macron and US Joe Biden during the emergency State Council session, outlined the proposal to aid ceasefire in the Mideast war zones.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the two Western powers were proposing a truce of 21 days “to allow for negotiations and a more sustainable ceasefire.”

“We’ve been working since the start of the week in New York on a diplomatic solution with our American friends in particular.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned, “Hell is breaking loose.”

Israel, however, welcomed a diplomatic move on Lebanon but reject commitment to a ceasefire, vowing to pursue its goal of degrading Hezbollah.

Israel's envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon said, “We are grateful for all those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war.”

He added: “We will use all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims.”

Recall that the violence comes after the failure to reach a ceasefire in Gaza where Israel for nearly a year has been seeking to wipe out another Iranian ally, Hamas, which carried out the deadliest attack ever on Israel.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran, which in recent weeks has held back on retaliatory strikes on Israel after attacks targeting Iranian interests, may no longer be restrained.

“The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe. If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences,” he told reporters.

Hezbollah holds powerful influence within long-turbulent Lebanon. The country’s foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, asked by reporters if a ceasefire was possible, said: “Hopefully yes.”

Similarly, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who has made 10 trips to the Middle East since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023 said, “The best answer is diplomacy, and our coordinated efforts are vital to preventing further escalation and to paving the path to greater peace and stability.”

Israel and Hezbollah had been skirmishing since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, but at a lower level.

Hundreds have died and thousands have been displaced since Israel launched its strikes, with the Lebanese health ministry saying that another 72 people died on Wednesday.

AFP