US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein stated during a visit to Beirut that a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war is “now within our grasp” as he met with Lebanese officials to discuss a truce plan. The US and France have led diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which intensified in late September after months of cross-border violence between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
The conflict escalated when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israel to broaden its military focus from Gaza to Lebanon. Israel’s military operations have aimed to secure its northern border, allowing the return of tens of thousands of people displaced by the fighting. Since the conflict began, over 3,510 people have been killed in Lebanon, including more than 200 children, according to Lebanese authorities and the United Nations.
Hochstein, after meeting with Nabih Berri, the Hezbollah-aligned parliamentary speaker, expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for peace. “I’m here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it’s ultimately the decision of the parties… It is now within our grasp,” Hochstein said, highlighting a potential breakthrough in the talks.
Tensions remained high as Israeli airstrikes continued in Lebanon. On Sunday, central Beirut was targeted by Israeli forces, killing five people and injuring dozens more. The Israeli military also reported the death of a soldier in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire into northern Israel. A woman was killed and ten others wounded in the Israeli town of Shfaram as a result of the rocket attack. The violence has disrupted daily life in both countries, with schools and universities in Beirut closing temporarily due to the Israeli strikes.
The latest round of airstrikes followed an escalating Israeli campaign aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Beirut. Hezbollah’s media office confirmed that Mohammed Afif, a prominent spokesman, was killed in one of these attacks, marking the latest in a series of Hezbollah casualties since the conflict intensified in late September.
The United States and Lebanon are moving towards a truce, with the Lebanese government reportedly supporting a US proposal for a ceasefire. According to a Lebanese official, Lebanon views the truce proposal favorably and is preparing its final comments. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue operations against Hezbollah even if a ceasefire agreement is reached, vowing to prevent the group from rebuilding its strength.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Hamas-run interior ministry reported at least 20 deaths in an operation targeting groups involved in looting aid convoys. Israel’s military actions have expanded across the region, creating significant humanitarian concerns and prompting international calls for a resolution to the broader Middle Eastern conflict.
