Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon gained momentum over the weekend, with reports suggesting Israel is nearing a potential agreement.
According to Reuters and Axios, citing a senior Israeli official, progress has been made in negotiations facilitated by the United States. However, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, quoting another official, reported that critical issues remain unresolved, preventing a final deal.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated that a US ceasefire proposal was awaiting Israel’s approval. The plan, spearheaded by US presidential adviser Amos Hochstein, has been described as a last-ditch effort to halt hostilities.
Hochstein reportedly cautioned Israeli leaders that if the proposal is rejected, mediation efforts may pause until President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.
Despite ongoing negotiations, violence persisted over the weekend, leading to further casualties on both sides. On Sunday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a series of rocket attacks targeting military sites in and around Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military reported that Hezbollah fired 170 rockets into Israel, with many intercepted by air defense systems. Shrapnel injuries were sustained by four individuals, while minor injuries among civilians were also reported.
In retaliation, the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut, where recent weeks have seen intensified bombardments.
A Sunday airstrike left one person dead and 18 injured, according to Lebanese officials. The strikes form part of a broader campaign coinciding with US-led efforts to broker a truce.
The toll of the conflict continues to mount, with fatalities in Lebanon surpassing 3,754 as of October 2023. On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on Beirut resulted in the deaths of at least 29 people, underscoring the devastating human cost of the ongoing violence.
Diplomatic Pressure and Humanitarian Concerns
International pressure to secure a ceasefire has intensified as humanitarian conditions in Lebanon worsen. The European Union and United Nations have urged both sides to prioritize civilian safety amid reports of widespread displacement and infrastructure damage in Lebanon.
“This is a critical moment for peace in the region,” Borrell said on Sunday. “We urge all parties to work toward a sustainable ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.”
While the United States has taken the lead in negotiations, the timeline for achieving a truce remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that political dynamics, including the upcoming change in US administration, could influence the outcome of talks.
Challenges to Resolution
Observers note that deep-rooted animosities between Israel and Hezbollah, coupled with diverging demands, continue to hinder progress. While Israel seeks guarantees that Hezbollah will cease cross-border attacks, the militant group demands an end to Israeli airstrikes and the lifting of blockades affecting southern Lebanon.
As ceasefire talks proceed, the conflict’s toll on civilians remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolution. For now, the prospect of peace hangs in a precarious balance, with the region watching closely for a breakthrough.