The US and French leaders have pressed jointly for an immediate 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, in a call joined by allies as the death toll mounts from Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

The US and France sought to hammer out a 21-day ceasefire in the Lebanon conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah late on Wednesday while Israel's military chief said a ground assault was possible after heavy airstrikes.

France and U.S. propose 21-day cease-fire for Israel-Hezbollah conflict, aiming for diplomatic solution to crisis.

Israel has prepared troops for a ground offensive in Lebanon - as the US, UK, France and other allies jointly called on Wednesday for an immediate 21-day ceasefire

The 12-strong bloc said the situation between Israel and Hezbollah presented an "unacceptable risk" of broader escalation.

The brewing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has killed more than 600 people in recent days, displaced thousands in Lebanon and brought the Middle East to the brink of an all-out war. The US and France are working to avoid an escalation of hostilities and ensure the return of displaced people.

Israeli said Wednesday it would activate two reserve brigades for missions in the north — another sign that Israel plans tougher action.

Displaced residents say "war in Lebanon means less global attention towards the crisis in Gaza".

About 100 people protesting outside the Wellington embassy were blowing whistles, banging pots and pans and sounding alarms.

"Imagine releasing two statements calling for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon as if the government of Lebanon has any agency and sovereignty,” wrote Jason Brodsky, of United Against

A potential 21-day ceasefire agreement could be on the horizon between Israel and Lebanon despite Netanyahu's troops massing on the country's border.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is striking Hezbollah “with full force” and will not stop until its goals are achieved.

Israeli forces battled Hamas-led militants in northern and southern Gaza, and Palestinian health officials said Israeli military strikes across the enclave had killed at least 17 Palestinians overnight.

Requested by France, the UN Security Council on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting on Lebanon, the second meeting on the country's deteriorating situation in less than a week, with UN...

Netanyahu, who is travelling to the United States for the UN General Assembly, has not yet responded to the cease-fire proposal. But his foreign minister, Israel Katz, said Israel would continue fighting “with full force until victory.”

Hezbollah has launched more than 9,350 rockets and drones at Israel since October 8, 2023, killing 49 people on the Israeli side.

Plans for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah are in doubt after Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his forces will keep fighting at “full force.”

Halevi's remarks came after Hezbollah fired a missile at central Israel on early Wednesday and Israel responded with airstrikes, which have killed 569 people and wounded 1,835 others, Al Jazeera reported.

Mahmoud Abbas denounces Israel's Gaza offensive as a "genocidal war" at the U.N., calling for international intervention.

Mr Healey hosted the three politicians as part of Aukus deal talks, a security partnership between Australia, the UK and US.

Mahmud Abbas said that the US continued to provide diplomatic cover and weapons to Israel for the war in Gaza despite the death toll crossing 41,000 according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

More than 600 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since Monday, health officials say.

Israel's military has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets amid a pledge to fight "with all our strength until victory".

The Muslims built their mosque on top of our Temple Mount, and then have the nerve to call us the "occupiers"!?

The White House wants a 21-day ceasefire with the US defence minister saying a diplomatic solution is still possible.

The new plan packages up a series of regional objectives that have remained out of reach for diplomats for nearly two decades.