US special envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut to address the media following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday.
Hochstein announced his intention to travel to Israel later that day in an effort to broker a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict with Lebanon's Hezbollah group. This announcement came after he reported further progress in discussions held in Beirut.
Upon his arrival the previous day, Hochstein expressed optimism, stating there was a "real opportunity" to resolve the conflict. This optimism stemmed from the Lebanese government and Hezbollah's agreement to a US-proposed ceasefire, albeit with some reservations.
"The meeting today built on the progress made yesterday," Hochstein remarked after his second meeting with Berri, who was endorsed by Hezbollah to negotiate. "I will be traveling to Israel shortly to attempt to finalize this ceasefire if possible," he added.
The diplomatic efforts are aimed at ending the conflict that has caused extensive damage in Lebanon since Israel launched a military offensive against Hezbollah in September. This offensive included widespread airstrikes and ground troop deployment.
Israel's primary objective is to ensure the safe return of tens of thousands of evacuees from its northern regions, displaced by rocket attacks from Hezbollah, which began in support of Hamas at the outset of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Despite the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders, Hezbollah has continued its rocket attacks into Israel, including recent strikes on Tel Aviv. The group's fighters are also engaged in combat with Israeli troops in the south.
While diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war have largely stagnated, the Biden administration is focused on securing a ceasefire in the parallel conflict in Lebanon before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January.
"We will collaborate with the incoming administration, already discussing these matters with them. They will be fully informed of our actions," Hochstein stated.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
