France and the United States have announced that they are nearing the release of a proposed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah in order to facilitate negotiations. French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that significant progress has been made on the proposal for a 21-day ceasefire and urged both parties to accept it promptly to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic discussions to begin.
The potential ceasefire comes at a critical time as tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed group escalate, raising concerns of a full-fledged war in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed active engagement with partners to deescalate the situation and reach a mutually beneficial ceasefire agreement. The US hopes that the ceasefire will pave the way for long-term stability in the region.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly shown openness to the proposed deal, it is contingent on the return of Israeli civilians to their homes. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has expressed support for the French-US plan and called on the Security Council to ensure the withdrawal of Israel from occupied Lebanese territories and prevent daily violations.
The potential ceasefire deal stands as a crucial step towards reducing hostilities and promoting peace in the region, with both France and the United States emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Israel and Hezbollah to achieve a peaceful resolution.
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