US and Allies Call for 21-Day Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Amid Ongoing Violence

The UN Security Council has met to urge Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate the recent fighting, which has been described as "intolerable" and presenting an unacceptable risk of a regional escalation. The US, France, and other allies have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, which would apply to the Israel-Lebanon "Blue Line". The joint statement, signed by countries including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, expresses concern over the situation in Lebanon, which has been described as "hell breaking loose" by UN Secretary General António Guterres. Israel's top general has stated that the country is preparing for a possible ground operation, while the Israeli military continues to operate to "dismantle and degrade Hezbollah's capabilities". Despite the appeal for a pause in hostilities, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire in intense attacks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asserted that Israel has a legitimate problem to solve, and the UN Security Council meeting has been held to address the situation.