Joint Statement by US, allies calls for ceasefire in Middle East

The United States, Arab and Western countries called on Wednesday for an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to avoid a regional war. This came in a joint statement by the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar. "The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is 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 statement issued by the White House 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", it added. "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 consistent with UNSCR 170 1, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza", the statement said. The joint statement stressed that the US and its allies are prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether. Source: Kuwait News Agency