21days ceasefire Proposal by US and Allies across Israel-lebanon Boarder | BNT

Edited by Umar-Mark Victor

Source: CNN

    

Israeli airstrikes in the southern village of Kfar Rouman, Smoke rises  from Marjayoun, south Lebanon, September 25, 2024. 

 The United States and its allies have made a significant move to prevent a regional war from erupting in the Middle East by calling for a 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. This proposal, hailed as an "important breakthrough" by a senior US official, aims to halt the deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that has been escalating since October 8th, 2023.

The situation between Lebanon and Israel has been deemed "intolerable" and presents an unacceptable risk of broader regional escalation, affecting not only the people of Israel and Lebanon but also the entire region.

Key Supporters of the Ceasefire Proposal:

- United States: President Joe Biden announced the plan, emphasizing the importance of preventing the war from widening.

- Europe: France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have expressed support for the framework.

- Arab Nations: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have also endorsed the proposal.

The immediate objective of the agreement is to lower tensions, allowing residents along the border to return to their homes in Israel and Lebanon. Additionally, officials hope the ceasefire will:

Open up diplomatic space to revive stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Galvanize efforts to free Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The proposal is the result of an all-out effort by the Biden administration to secure a cessation in hostilities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been working tirelessly with Arab and European partners to stop the fighting.

Background of the Conflict:

The Israeli-Lebanese conflict has been ongoing since 1948, with periods of heightened violence, including the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the 2006 Lebanon War ¹. The conflict has involved various militias and militants, including Hezbollah, which has been sponsored by Iran since 1985.

A Glimmer of Hope:

          Despite the complexity of the conflict, there is a desire to see change in the region. President Biden expressed optimism, stating, "there's a way to do it... if we can deal with a ceasefire in Lebanon, that it can move into dealing with the West Bank, but we also have Gaza to deal with."

The success of the ceasefire proposal hinges on the willingness of Israel and Hezbollah to commit to the agreement. With international support and diplomatic efforts underway, there is a possibility for a peaceful resolution to emerge.

        Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict has been a significant factor in the escalation of violence. As a Lebanese Shia radical movement sponsored by Iran, Hezbollah has been accused of perpetuating the conflict. However, their willingness to negotiate and potentially disarm could be a crucial step towards a peaceful resolution.

Will the 21-day ceasefire proposal be enough to bring peace to the region, or will the conflict continue to simmer? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the international community is committed to finding a solution.