Hey there, news enthusiasts! 🌍 Big developments are happening in the Middle East, and it's time to get you up to speed.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States doesn't want Israel's campaign in Lebanon to drag on. As ceasefire talks gain momentum, hopes are rising for peace between Israel and Hezbollah.
It's been a month since Israel launched its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Blinken emphasized that further attacks could backfire on Iran, especially after Israel vowed to retaliate against an Iranian missile barrage on October 1.
Israel's military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, hinted that an end to the conflict might be in sight. 'In the north of Israel, there's a possibility of reaching a sharp conclusion. We thoroughly dismantled Hezbollah's senior chain of command,' he said in a video statement.
On Thursday evening, Israeli strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs, according to witnesses. The situation remains tense, but efforts for peace are intensifying.
U.S. and Israeli negotiators are heading to Doha, Qatar, to prepare for renewed talks on a Gaza ceasefire deal, which could also see the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, 'The parties will discuss the various options for starting negotiations for the release of the hostages from Hamas captivity.'
An Egyptian security delegation met with Hamas leaders in Cairo, aiming to resume ceasefire negotiations. However, Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated, 'The hostages held by the resistance will only return by stopping the aggression and completely withdrawing.'
Previous efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release have unfortunately failed. But with new talks on the horizon, there's hope for a breakthrough.
Blinken has been on a diplomatic mission in the region, following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The U.S. hopes that this could pave the way for ending the fighting.
Israel's offensive in Lebanon aims to secure the return of people evacuated from northern Israel due to cross-border hostilities with Hezbollah. The campaign has resulted in over 2,500 deaths and displaced more than 1 million people in Lebanon, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
Blinken stressed that Israeli operations should not lead to a prolonged campaign and called for measures to avoid civilian casualties and protect UN peacekeepers and Lebanese army troops.
Earlier on Thursday, an Israeli strike reportedly killed three Lebanese soldiers as they attempted to evacuate wounded people from Yater village, according to the Lebanese army.
While the situation remains fragile, international efforts to broker peace continue. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a swift resolution and a return to calm in the region. ✌️
Reference(s):
Israeli campaign in Lebanon continues amid ceasefire efforts
cgtn.com
