Washington, DC, September 25, 2024. ATFL deplores the current escalation in Lebanon, which has already led to the deaths of more than 800 individuals, wounded over 2,000, and displaced hundreds of thousands and will, if it continues, lead to more casualties and widespread devastation.
The United States has put forth a long-term, sustainable plan to bring calm to the southern border of Lebanon, which would be the basis for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Hezbollah has refused US overtures until there is a Gaza ceasefire. Israel’s reaction to this position has been to confront Hezbollah in response to its political and security demands, leading to the massive targeting of the group’s leaders and its members. Meanwhile, innocent Lebanese civilians have been subjected to deadly aerial strikes and are suffering the consequences.
This situation has spun out of control and risks destroying Lebanon, and the people of Lebanon are certain to be this war’s main victims. The international community must put a stop to this conflict before many more innocent lives are ruined.
We urge the Biden administration to demonstrate strong leadership now in making ending this conflict a priority before it metastasizes to the region. We call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and for the United States to lead efforts that would reestablish stability and calm along the border and to find a sustainable, diplomatic solution.
