New York: The United States, France and several allies at the United Nations have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border ,
They also expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza following intense discussions at the United Nations.
A senior Biden administration official said the ceasefire would apply to the Israel-Lebanon “Blue Line,” the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel.
The allies that signed the joint statement include Australia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.
France and the United States are working to hammer out a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel to allow time for broader negotiations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.
“A diplomatic solution is indeed possible. In recent days, we’ve worked with our American partners on a temporary ceasefire platform of 21 days to allow for negotiations,” he told the 15-member UN Security Council.
He said the plan would be made public soon.
“We are counting on both parties to accept it without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic negotiations to begin,” he said.
Several countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia issued a joint call for a 21-day “temporary ceasefire” in Lebanon.
