On September 28, 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, following Israel's rejection of a proposed truce by the US and France. In a press conference concluding a week of diplomatic meetings at the United Nations, Blinken emphasized that the choices made by both parties in the coming days will significantly impact the region, with potential severe consequences for its people now and in the years to come.
He stated, "The diplomatic path may seem difficult at this moment, but it exists and is, in our view, essential," committing that the United States will continue to work intensively with all parties to achieve a ceasefire. Blinken highlighted the importance of first stopping hostilities on both sides and then using the ceasefire period to explore the possibility of a broader diplomatic agreement.
In related developments, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of Italian troops involved in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon. Tajani reported that Israel responded positively to this request and stated that he is closely monitoring the evolving crisis in the Middle East. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) comprises approximately 10,500 soldiers, including about 1,000 Italian troops. The region has seen daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah since the attacks launched by Palestinian militias from Gaza on October 7.