WASHINGTON — Following President Joe Biden’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly expressing his desire to avoid a “full-scale war” in the Middle East, the United States, along with nine other nations and the European Union, has called for a 21-day cease-fire along the Lebanon-Israel border.

“It is essential to achieve a diplomatic solution that allows civilians on both sides to return home safely,” the nations stated in a joint declaration on Wednesday evening. “However, diplomacy cannot flourish if tensions continue to escalate.”

Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon have resulted in at least 72 fatalities, as reported by a compilation of statements from the Lebanese health ministry by Reuters. Over the past year, the Iran-supported militant group has significantly increased its rocket fire into northern Israel. Tensions have further escalated following the October 7 assault by Hamas on Israel, which left 1,200 people dead.

In retaliation, Israel has conducted military operations against Gaza, leading to approximately 40,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to the Hamas-led Gazan Health Ministry.

A U.S. official informed reporters that the parties involved would need to come to an agreement regarding the temporary cease-fire, but confirmed they are familiar with the proposed terms and are expected to respond shortly. The U.S. noted that it has been in direct communication with the Lebanese government, suggesting it will seek to broker terms for a deal with Hezbollah.

This announcement followed a meeting between Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. The joint statement was supported by France, Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside the U.S. and EU.

U.S. officials are worried that escalating tensions could result in a wider conflict in the Middle East, prompting efforts to establish a cease-fire along the border between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel’s military leadership informed troops on Wednesday that their heavy airstrikes in Lebanon could be paving the way for a potential ground operation against Hezbollah militants. Diplomatic efforts are being intensified to prevent an additional front from emerging in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

Additionally, Israel intercepted a missile that Hezbollah claimed was targeting the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad’s headquarters near Tel Aviv. Israeli sources stated that the missile was actually on route to civilian areas in Tel Aviv rather than the Mossad site before it was intercepted.