On September 27, 2024, during the UN General Assembly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a joint ceasefire proposal involving the US, France, and other allies aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal seeks to address the 'intolerable' situation in Lebanon, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the assembly, reaffirmed Israel's military operations against Hezbollah, labeling it a 'terror organization.' Despite the ceasefire proposal, he indicated that Israel would continue its strikes until achieving 'total victory.' Recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have reportedly killed nearly 800 people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The ceasefire aims to allow civilians on both sides of the border to return home, as the conflict has led to tens of thousands of displaced individuals seeking shelter. Blinken emphasized that further escalation would complicate the return of civilians and the overall peace process.