Harris Urges Calm Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
In a critical moment for the Middle East, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire and calm in Lebanon and Gaza. Speaking to reporters in Las Vegas, Harris emphasized that the United States is working tirelessly to broker peace in the region, which is currently facing the threat of all-out war. The urgency of her message comes in light of escalating military actions by Israel against Gaza and Lebanon.
Harris stated, "There is an urgent need to stop this war and restore calm to the region." Her comments reflect growing international concern over the violence that has erupted, drawing attention from various global leaders and organizations.
Lebanon's Commitment to Peace Initiatives
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib reinforced Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701 and the American-French initiative aimed at establishing a ceasefire. He urged the United Nations and the Security Council to intensify their efforts to pressure Israel into halting its military aggression.
In a separate address at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Lebanon's envoy Hadi Hashem called for an immediate ceasefire, asserting that the ongoing Israeli bombardment would not yield security or stability for the people of Lebanon. He stressed that without an agreement, Israel cannot safely return displaced individuals to their homes.
Israel's Stance on Military Operations
Conversely, Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon affirmed that military operations would persist until Hezbollah's influence in southern Lebanon is dismantled. He articulated that the Israeli Defense Forces aim to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities to prevent future attacks on Israeli territory. Danon declared, "There is only one path to peace in Israel and Lebanon: it must be without Hezbollah."
UN Calls for Diplomatic Solutions
The UN's political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, echoed the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to the ongoing conflict. She warned that the region is perilously close to all-out war and highlighted the international community's failure to mitigate the violence. DiCarlo urged both Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities and engage in diplomatic discussions, stating, "We must give diplomacy a chance. Now."
DiCarlo reiterated the UN Secretary-General's warning that time is running out, emphasizing the need for a cessation of hostilities not only in Lebanon but across the broader region. The escalating violence in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza poses a significant threat to regional stability and peace.
