UK and 16 Nations Urge Israel and Lebanon to Pursue US-Mediated Peace Talks

Kathmandu. Foreign ministers from the UK and 16 other nations have urged Israel and Lebanon to 'seize this opportunity' to initiate US-mediated negotiations.

On Tuesday, the UK Foreign Office issued a joint statement identifying direct talks between Israel and Lebanon as a vital opportunity to improve regional security. The ministers expressed confidence that this could help bring lasting peace and stability to both nations and the wider region.

The statement noted, "It is essential to reduce tensions on all sides and utilize the ceasefire proposal between the United States and Iran positively."

The statement was signed by foreign ministers from the UK, Australia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, among others. Notably, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Italy did not sign.

Preparations are underway for talks between Israel and Lebanon to be mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This could mark the first direct negotiations between the two nations in decades.

The conflict, which escalated following a Hezbollah attack on Israel on March 2, has significantly heightened regional tensions. Since then, Israeli strikes have resulted in over 2,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 1 million people.

In the statement, the signatories 'strongly condemned' all aspects of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, criticizing both Hezbollah's attacks and Israel's military response.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the initiative for direct talks, stating that the country is prepared to support the process.

This development has drawn significant regional and international attention, with hopes that such negotiations could contribute to resolving the complex crises in the Middle East.