(CNN) – Israel said it is studying a US-led ceasefire proposal that would mean a 21-day pause in fighting in Lebanon. Meanwhile, fears are growing of a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah that could lead to a broader regional conflict.
Although senior US officials initially suggested the proposal was a given, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later poured cold water on the plan, saying any reports of an imminent ceasefire were “incorrect.”
Netanyahu’s office clarified in a statement that it is discussing the ceasefire proposal and that it “shares the goals of the US-led initiative to allow people along our northern border to return safely and securely.” to their homes.”
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s foreign minister warned that the crisis in the country “threatens the entire Middle East” and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire “on all fronts.”
Here’s what we know about the ceasefire initiative:
– Proposed by the US and its allies: The proposal comes amid deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that many fear could lead to a broader conflict. Hoping to avoid this outcome, diplomats and leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly rushed to develop a plan that would stop the fighting and leave room for diplomacy.
– What countries were involved? President Joe Biden said the plan had been backed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
– Has Hezbollah given its approval?: Hezbollah has not yet commented on the proposed agreement, and Lebanese interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati denied reports that the framework for Lebanon had been signed. Media outlets had previously claimed that Mikati had signed a ceasefire proposal after meeting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and envoy Amos Hochstein on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
– The fighting continues: Netanyahu, who plans to speak this Friday at the UN General Assembly, affirmed that the Israeli army will continue to fight Hezbollah with “full force” after days of attacks against Lebanon that have caused hundreds of deaths and that, according to the minister of Lebanese health, they have displaced half a million people.
