The United States and several key allies are urgently calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, following escalating violence between the two sides in recent days. Israeli military forces launched new airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon on Thursday, marking a significant intensification of hostilities as both sides exchange fire. Lebanese officials have reported over 600 casualties from the latest Israeli strikes, while hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing violence.
The ceasefire proposal, which is being backed by the U.S., France, and other Western allies, seeks to halt further bloodshed and provide a humanitarian window for civilians affected by the conflict. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet responded to the proposal. His office released a statement confirming that the Israeli military will continue its operations, with Netanyahu instructing his forces to “fight with full force.”
Ground Invasion Preparations Underway
At the same time, Israel is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon, according to statements from the Israeli army chief. Troops have been informed that the ongoing airstrikes are intended to “both prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah,” the Israeli military said. This suggests that the current air campaign may soon transition into a larger, ground-based offensive.
The flare-up between Israel and Hezbollah has added a new dimension to the regional conflict, which began in early October when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel. Since then, tensions between Israel and its northern neighbor have steadily risen, with both Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducting frequent military operations. The Israeli strikes have reportedly killed more than 560 people in Lebanon, including dozens of children, since Monday alone.
International Ceasefire Efforts
Diplomatic efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire not only in Lebanon but also in Gaza, where Israel continues to engage in combat operations against Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French President Emmanuel Macron are reportedly leading discussions on ceasefire proposals, though no significant breakthroughs have been made thus far.
Lebanese authorities have condemned the Israeli strikes as disproportionate, accusing the IDF of targeting civilian infrastructure and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its resistance against Israeli forces, framing its actions as part of a broader defense of Palestinian rights in the face of Israeli aggression.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, have led to a dire humanitarian situation. Hundreds of thousands of civilians in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in northern parts of the country or in neighboring regions. Humanitarian organizations are warning that resources are rapidly depleting, and a full-scale ground operation could worsen the crisis.
While the call for a 21-day ceasefire has garnered international support, it remains unclear whether Israel and Hezbollah are willing to pause their military operations. The coming days will be crucial as diplomatic negotiations continue, and both sides assess their next steps in what could be a prolonged and devastating conflict.
