US, France Call for A 21-Day Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon
The United States and France have called on Israel and Lebanon to accept a 21-day ceasefire to allow for a diplomatic resolution to the cross-border conflict that has threatened to spill over into an all-out war.
“We call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement,” the two countries said. It was endorsed by ten other countries and entities: Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
They called on Israel, the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah, and Lebanon to adhere to a settlement based on the UNSC Resolution 1701 that set out the ceasefire terms for the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
Such a step would necessitate Hezbollah pulling out of the area of southern Lebanon near the Israeli border and moving back to the Litani River. Hezbollah has long violated that resolution.
Meanwhile, IDF spokesperson R. Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a broad public warning for the first time on Monday, September 23, urging civilians in southern Lebanon in areas where Hezbollah has stored rockets or engaged in other activities to evacuate. (JPost / VFI News)
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33