New York: The Middle East seems to be standing on the brink of war due to the increasing tension between Israel and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the US, France and its other allies have taken a major initiative. The US and its allies have called for an 'immediate' 21-day ceasefire for talks. More than 600 people have died in the conflict between the two sides in Lebanon in recent days. A joint statement issued on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York said that the recent fighting is unacceptable and it can take a widespread form in the region.

Appeal for ceasefire

"We call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Lebanon-Israel border to allow space for diplomacy. We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to support an immediate ceasefire," the joint statement said. 

Who will talk to Hezbollah?

Although there was no immediate response from Israel or the Lebanese government and Hezbollah on this appeal, senior US officials said that all parties are aware of the ceasefire appeal and will put forward their views. Officials said that Hezbollah will not be included in the ceasefire process but they believe that the Lebanese government will talk to Hezbollah. 

These countries are included

This ceasefire will apply only to the Israel-Lebanon border. Senior US officials said they would try to restart stalled ceasefire talks by halting the fighting for three weeks. Those calling for a ceasefire include the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.