In a joint statement issued by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar, the international community has voiced strong concerns about the escalating situation between Lebanon and Israel, which has been ongoing since October 8, 2023.

The coalition of nations declared the current state of affairs as "intolerable" and warned of the "unacceptable risk" of a broader regional conflict, emphasizing that such an outcome would be detrimental to both the Israeli and Lebanese populations.

"It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety," the statement read, stressing the urgency of resolving the conflict through dialogue but acknowledged that diplomacy cannot move forward "amid an escalation of this conflict."

To create a conducive environment for peace talks, the international coalition is calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border. This temporary cessation of hostilities, they argue, would provide a critical window for diplomacy aimed at reaching a lasting settlement.

The proposed ceasefire is to align with the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which originally called for the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah following the 2006 conflict, and UNSCR 2735, which pertains to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The statement urges all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to "endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately" to give diplomacy a real chance to succeed. The coalition expressed readiness to "fully support all diplomatic efforts" within the 21-day ceasefire period to conclude a comprehensive agreement between Lebanon and Israel, building on the efforts made in recent months.

The signatories concluded by reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful resolution, warning that without immediate action, the risk of further violence and instability could engulf the region.

"This crisis must end altogether," they declared, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive diplomatic action to protect civilians and prevent a broader escalation.