Tell Israeli Ministers, Foreign Minister Blinken Says Escalation Only Makes It Difficult For Civilians To Return Home

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Twitter/@SecBlinken)

JAKARTA - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israel on Thursday that further escalation of the conflict involving Lebanon would only make it difficult for civilians to return home on both sides of the border, the State Department said.

Tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group on the Lebanese border that have been going on for almost a year, escalated this week with Israeli airstrikes being hit back by Hezbollah rockets and drones.

That forced civilians on the border of both sides to flee. The Israeli PM government continues to strive to return its citizens to their homes and security on its northern border.

"The minister discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on a 21-day ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border," the State Department said in a statement referring to talks between Foreign Minister Blinken and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.

"He underlined that further escalation of the conflict will only make the goal (of civilians' return) increasingly difficult," the statement continued.

The State Department added that Blinken also discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the steps Israel needs to take to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid in the enclave where nearly a total of 2.3 million residents are displaced and there is a hunger crisis.

Earlier, Israel rejected global calls on Thursday for a ceasefire with the Hezbollah movement, opposing its largest ally in Washington and continuing to advance despite attacks that have killed hundreds of people in Lebanon, raising fears of an all-out regional war.

Despite Israel's stance, the US and France sought to keep the 21-day ceasefire prospect they proposed on Wednesday, saying negotiations were continuing, including on the sidelines of the United Nations meeting in New York, United States.

Washington has faced growing global and domestic criticism for its support for Israel amid the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have killed hundreds of people in recent days.

Critics say Washington has not used its help to pressure Israel to accept calls for a ceasefire.