United Nations, Sep 25 (EFE).- The United States and allied countries such as Canada, France and Germany, among others, issued a joint statement on Wednesday calling for a 21-day ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border, to allow the hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.<\/p>
\u201cThe situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,\u201d read a joint statement published by the White House.<\/p>
\u201cIt is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety,\u201d read the statement signed by the the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Qatar.<\/p>
It underlined that these goals cannot be achieved in the midst of an escalation of the conflict, and for which the 21-day ceasefire was necessary as it would give space for diplomacy.<\/p>
The statement seeks to prevent a possible Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon.<\/p>
Since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip, following Hamas\u2018 attacks on Oct. 7, the Israeli-Lebanese border has experienced its highest peak in tension since 2006, with constant exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah fighters.<\/p>
On Monday alone, Lebanon reported 569 deaths in Israeli bombings, including 50 children and 94 women, and 90,000 Lebanese have been displaced from the south to other regions. EFE<\/p>
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