Countries like the US, UK, and European Union are asking for a 21-day pause in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
This is because the fighting has been getting worse, and they want to give diplomacy a chance to work towards a solution, according to the BBC.
The group of 12 countries believes that stopping the fighting for a while can help prevent a larger regional war that would be dangerous for both the people of Israel and Lebanon.
Israel has been carrying out airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and its military leader, Lt Gen Halevi, hinted that there might be a ground invasion soon.
BBC mentioned that a joint statement from the US, Australia, Canada, and other countries at the United Nations calls for this 21-day ceasefire.
These countries believe that halting the violence could create a peaceful resolution and protect civilians on both sides.
BBC reported that the leaders of the US and France, President Biden and President Macron, also said this ceasefire could help civilians return to their homes and stop the risk of an even bigger conflict.
Biden mentioned that many European and Arab nations are supporting this effort because they don’t want the war to spread further.
The US is still in talks with both Israel and Lebanon about this plan, hoping to get their official responses soon.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, as noted by the BBC, spoke at the UN, saying that Israel’s attacks are a clear violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and human rights.
He is hopeful that they can reach a solution to stop Israel’s actions and end the violence.
Meanwhile, Israel’s representative to the UN, Danny Danon, said that although Israel is not seeking a full war, it will continue to defend itself using all means allowed under international law.
Since Israel began its air campaign, over 600 people in Lebanon have died, according to the BBC, and tens of thousands more have had to flee their homes.
Hezbollah says it’s attacking Israel to support Palestinians in Gaza and will continue until a ceasefire is in place. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are supported by Iran and are considered terrorist groups by Israel, the UK, and others.
The BBC also reported that Hezbollah fired missiles toward Tel Aviv, but Israel’s defense system intercepted them, so there was no damage.
However, Hezbollah’s continued attacks have caused injuries in northern Israel.
The fighting has already displaced many people on both sides, with 90,000 newly displaced in Lebanon and 70,000 in Israel.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20m1d77m86o