The unacceptable risk of broader regional escalation demands immediate action. Since Hizballah began its rocket attacks on Israel on October 8, round after round of strikes and counter strikes have driven people from their homes. Last night over a dozen countries joined in a call for an immediate 21 day cease fire across the Lebanon-Israel border. This is the best way for diplomacy to restore safety for citizens to return to their homes. Conditions in the north of Israel and the south of Lebanon must change to permit their safe return. At the same time, we press forward every day for an agreement to release the hostages and achieve a cease fire in Gaza.