UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on Lebanon; France proposes 21-day truce

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reveals at the UN Security Council a joint proposal with the United States for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon.

“A diplomatic solution is indeed possible. In recent days, we’ve worked with our American partners on a temporary ceasefire platform of 21 days to allow for negotiations,” he tells the 15-member UN Security Council.

Barrot says the plan will be made public soon.

“We are counting on both parties to accept it without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic negotiations to begin,” he says.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says during the same emergency Security Council meeting requested by France that Lebanon cannot become another Gaza and calls for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

“Let us say in one clear voice, stop the killing and destruction. Turn down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink. An all-out war must be avoided at all costs,” Guterres says.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.