Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined the world leaders demanding an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to find a diplomatic settlement for the civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon”, he said in a joint statement issued together from leadership of US, Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and UK.
“It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety”, joint statement read.
the statement emphasized that diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.
“We call for an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza”, leaders said.
They called on all parties, including the Governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with UNSCR 1701 during this period, and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement.
The joint statement offered their full support for all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.
