UAE and allies call for ceasefire across Lebanon-Israel border

The UAE, the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK have issued a joint statement regarding the escalating situation between Lebanon and Israel.

The statement expresses concern over the state of affairs since October 8, 2023, describing it as intolerable and a serious risk for broader regional escalation, adding that this situation serves neither the people of Israel nor those of Lebanon.

They called for a diplomatic settlement that allows civilians on both sides to return home safely, asserting that diplomacy cannot thrive amid ongoing conflict.

To facilitate this, the coalition urges an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Lebanon-Israel border, aimed at creating a conducive environment for diplomatic discussions in line with UNSCR 1701 and UNSCR 2735 regarding Gaza.

They called on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the ceasefire to provide a genuine opportunity for a diplomatic resolution.

The group also expressed readiness to fully support efforts to reach an agreement between Lebanon and Israel during this period, building on recent diplomatic initiatives to resolve the crisis.