US and allies call for 21-day ceasefire across Lebanon.

The United States, United Kingdom and European Union including other allies have called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, following an escalation in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, they revealed that the hostilities were intolerable and presented an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation that will not be either in the interest of the people of Israel or Lebanon.

The joint statement was signed by the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Qatar followeing the meeting of world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York.

The 12-strong bloc proposed an immediate 21-day pause in fighting to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement and a ceasefire in Gaza.

This became pertinent after Israel’s military chief told troops on Wednesday that extensive air strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah could pave the way for them to enter the enemy’s territory.