Massive push for Middle East breakthrough
In a joint statement put out on Wednesday (local time), the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan and several Gulf States called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, saying the situation between Israel and Lebanon was “intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation.”
“This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,” the countries said.
“It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.
“Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.”
The statement called for an “immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy”, with a view to “conclude an agreement” within the period that “ends this crisis altogether.”
The urgent plea came after Israel’s defence chief vowed a ground incursion into Lebanon amid days of deadly air strikes on Hezbollah targets.
Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organisation backed by Iran, began firing rockets at civilians areas in northern Israel last year in solidarity with Hamas, forcing tens of thousands from their homes.
The group extended the reach of its cross-border attacks overnight, with the Israeli business capital Tel Aviv coming under fire.
In videos released by the Israeli military Wednesday (local time), defence chief Herzi Halevi told troops in Israel’s north that their “boots will enter enemy territory”.
More than 600 people have been killed and nearly 2000 injured in Lebanon since Israel’s air strikes began on Monday, according to health officials.
Some 90,000 more have been displaced.
Anthony Albanese on Thursday called for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, where Israeli forces are battling Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.
“We need the conflict not to continue to escalate, we need it to de-escalate,” he said.
“We need the hostages released. We need a ceasefire that’s sustainable there and we need to move towards a long-term solution as well as a two-state solution there in the Middle East.”
Mr Albanese also said Hamas “can’t have a role in the future of Gaza”.
Israel launched its military action in Gaza after Hamas killed 1200 people, including entire families, in its brutal October 7 terrorist attacks.
The group, which is also backed by Iran, took hundreds more hostage as they retreated into Gaza.
The ensuing Israeli action in the densely populated Palestinian territory has killed upwards of 40,000 people.
