The United States, France, and several allied nations have urged for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel–Lebanon border, while also advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, following extensive discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday.

This ceasefire would pertain to the “Blue Line,” the boundary separating Lebanon and Israel, facilitating negotiations towards a possible diplomatic resolution of the ongoing conflict, as stated by a senior official from the Biden administration.

In a joint statement released by the White House, the countries emphasized, “We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately.”

The allies who endorsed this statement include Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union.

On the same day, Israel intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in at least 72 fatalities, according to a compilation of reports from the Lebanese health ministry by Reuters. The ministry also reported that at least 223 individuals were injured.

Israel’s military leader indicated that a ground offensive could be on the horizon, heightening concerns that the ongoing conflict might escalate into a broader war in the Middle East. In recent months, U.S. officials have been in discussions with representatives from both Israel and Lebanon to mitigate tensions, according to a senior official from the White House.

“We have been engaged in these talks for quite some time,” the official noted, emphasizing that the goal is to transform these discussions into a more comprehensive agreement during the current 21-day ceasefire. The official also mentioned that President Biden has prioritized the potential for a ceasefire in nearly every dialogue with global leaders at this week’s United Nations General Assembly.

Following consultations with Israeli and Lebanese officials, the U.S. and its allies believe this is an opportune moment to advocate for a ceasefire, the official added. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, expressed to reporters prior to a U.N. Security Council meeting that Israel would support a ceasefire and favored a diplomatic resolution. He further stated that Iran is at the center of regional violence and that achieving peace necessitates addressing this threat.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, remarked to reporters before the council meeting that Iran stands by Hezbollah and would not remain passive if the situation in Lebanon deteriorated. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed his support for the ceasefire, asserting that its success hinges on Israel’s commitment to uphold international resolutions. When asked if a ceasefire could be achieved soon, Mikati responded to Reuters, “Hopefully, yes.”

Global leaders have expressed alarm over the escalating conflict, which is occurring alongside Israel’s military actions in Gaza against Hamas militants, who are also supported by Iran. The death toll in Lebanon continues to rise, prompting thousands to evacuate their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive in New York on Thursday and will address the U.N. General Assembly on Friday.

political challenges for Biden and Harris

The U.S. administration has been attempting for nearly a year to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, but these efforts have not yielded success. The ongoing conflict has posed significant political challenges for President Joe Biden and, by extension, Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly as escalating violence in Lebanon intensifies the pressure on the administration to pursue a diplomatic resolution.

On Wednesday, Israel intercepted a missile that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah claimed was targeting the Mossad intelligence agency’s headquarters near Tel Aviv, the largest city in Israel. Israeli officials clarified that the missile was actually headed toward civilian areas in Tel Aviv rather than the Mossad facility before it was intercepted.

General Herzi Halevi informed Israeli troops stationed at the Lebanon border, “You can hear the jets flying overhead; we have been conducting strikes throughout the day. This operation is intended to prepare for your potential entry and to further weaken Hezbollah.” A spokesperson from the Pentagon indicated that an Israeli ground invasion does not seem to be on the immediate horizon.

According to Lebanon’s foreign minister, as many as 500,000 individuals may have been displaced within the country. In Beirut, thousands of those displaced from southern Lebanon are currently taking refuge in schools and other facilities.

Israeli airstrikes focused on Hezbollah leaders

Israeli airstrikes this week have focused on Hezbollah leaders and struck numerous locations deep within Lebanon, prompting hundreds of thousands to flee the border area, while the group has launched multiple rocket attacks into Israel.

On Wednesday, a large crowd gathered in the suburbs of Beirut for the funeral of two senior Hezbollah commanders who were killed in Israeli strikes the previous day. Dressed in military fatigues, fighters carried the flag-draped coffins as a band played, while attendees chanted Hezbollah slogans and some mourned openly.

Israel reported that its air force was targeting southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, a known Hezbollah stronghold further north, and announced the mobilization of two additional reserve brigades for operations along its northern border.

In a video message that did not address ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, Netanyahu stated that Hezbollah was facing unprecedented levels of attack.

Israel has prioritized the security of its northern border and is facilitating the return of approximately 70,000 residents who were displaced due to frequent exchanges of fire since the outbreak of war in October between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, located on Israel’s southern border.

Since Monday, Lebanese hospitals have been overwhelmed with casualties, following Israeli bombings that resulted in over 550 deaths, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon since the end of its civil war in 1990.