France and the United States are working on a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire as the past week experienced an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The plan aims for the negotiations and release tensions, with over 600 people having been killed in Lebanon. French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot said to the UN Security Council that the proposal is in its final stages, and both parties are being ready to accept it. Barrot emphasised that the war is not unavoidable and that diplomacy can offer a solution.
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On Wednesday, while addressing the ongoing conflict, President Joe Biden said that an all-out war is possible. However, he also saw an opportunity for a settlement that can reshape the region. Biden said, ‘It’s possible and I’m using every bit of energy I have with my team to get this done’. He highlighted that the progress on a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah can help ease the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to arrive in New York to address the UN General Assembly, as the threat of a broader conflict looms. The Israeli military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon, with Hezbollah increasing its missile attacks, including one aimed at Tel Aviv. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has requested both the sides to step back, warning that further escalation would be disastrous for the region.
The Indian Embassy in Beirut has renewed its advisory, requesting Indian nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon and advised those already in the country to immediately leave. The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the potential for a wider regional war. It said, ‘Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, also restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut’.
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