Biden Advocates for Ceasefire and Warns Against Escalation of Conflict in Lebanon

U.S. President Joe Biden warned against a ‘full-scale war’ in Lebanon during his UN speech, advocating for a ceasefire amidst ongoing Israeli strikes. He highlighted the risks of regional escalation and called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, emphasizing that such a war would not benefit anyone.

During a recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, President Joe Biden stressed the critical need to avert a “full-scale war” in Lebanon amid escalating tensions and ongoing strikes involving Israel and Hezbollah. He advocated for the urgency of a diplomatic resolution, asserting that a broader conflict would serve no nation’s interests and that the current situation in Gaza and Lebanon poses a significant risk to regional stability. In his address, President Biden acknowledged the dire circumstances affecting Lebanon, which he described as being “on the brink” of further violence. He underscored the importance of a swift ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that, despite the current escalations, a diplomatic solution was still attainable. The President also took the opportunity to share his thoughts about leadership, indicating his intention to step aside for a new generation and reminding fellow leaders that the well-being of their citizens should take precedence over their political ambitions. The widening conflict stems from the continuing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which escalated following an unprecedented assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023. As a result of Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, there have been significant casualties, with more than 500 reported fatalities in just one day of intense conflict. Biden expressed deep concern that the region cannot afford to see Lebanon descend into a scenario similar to that of Gaza, a sentiment echoed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who described the situation as a “non-stop nightmare” threatening the entire region.

The recent tensions in Lebanon have arisen against a backdrop of violence between Israel and Hamas, which ignited after a series of attacks beginning on October 7, 2023. The conflict has drawn in various actors, including Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, heightening fears of a wider regional war. The situation has seen an increase in Israeli military operations in Lebanon as a response to perceived threats from Hezbollah, which has led to a surging number of casualties among civilians and combatants alike. The United Nations has been closely monitoring the situation, with calls for a ceasefire between the opposing sides in the ongoing conflict. The Biden administration has made efforts, alongside nations such as Qatar and Egypt, to mediate a ceasefire agreement to stabilize the area and prevent further escalation.

In summary, President Biden’s address at the United Nations emphasized the urgent necessity of preventing a full-scale war in Lebanon amidst rising tensions from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. He reiterated that diplomatic solutions are still viable and critical to maintaining regional stability. With the humanitarian crisis escalating in both Gaza and Lebanon, the international community is urged to seek immediate and effective diplomatic resolutions to prevent a broader conflict that could have devastating implications.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com