The United States, European Union, and United Nations have called for an end to the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale war in late September.
Amid intensified truce negotiations, cross-border exchanges between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have also surged. On Sunday alone, Israel reported approximately 250 projectiles fired into its territory. On Tuesday, airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings.
News Footages captured plumes of smoke rising from the area, following a day in which the Lebanese health ministry reported 31 fatalities, mostly in southern Lebanon, due to Israeli airstrikes.
On the diplomatic front, an anonymous Israeli official disclosed that the security cabinet was set to decide on a ceasefire agreement later on Tuesday. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby noted progress in the talks but said they were not yet finalized, stating, “We believe we’ve reached this point where we’re close.” France, along with the United States, has led efforts to mediate a ceasefire, with significant progress reported. Italy, holding the G7 presidency, expressed optimism about the potential truce.
According to U.S. media outlet Axios, the draft agreement includes a 60-day transition period during which Israeli forces would withdraw, the Lebanese army would redeploy near the border, and Hezbollah would relocate heavy weapons north of the Litani River. A U.S.-led committee would oversee the implementation, with provisions allowing Israeli action against imminent threats if Lebanese forces fail to intervene.
The Israeli military confirmed conducting a series of strikes on Monday, hitting Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburbs. These strikes followed intensified attacks from Hezbollah over the weekend, some reaching deep into Israeli territory.
Humanitarian Toll
Lebanon has reported 3,768 deaths since October 2023, most occurring in recent weeks. On the Israeli side, at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians have been killed in the hostilities. The violence has forced tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes, with some residents expressing skepticism about the proposed ceasefire’s long-term stability.
Opposition to the Ceasefire
Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the potential ceasefire, calling it a missed opportunity to dismantle Hezbollah. Northern residents voiced concerns about returning home under current conditions, fearing renewed conflict in the near future.
Gaza Conflict
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues unabated. Israeli strikes overnight killed 11 people, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, with remaining residents scavenging for food amid widespread destruction. The Danish Refugee Council warned of unexploded ordnance endangering civilians in heavily bombarded areas.
Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel last year claimed 1,207 lives, predominantly civilians. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in 44,235 fatalities, based on figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN deems credible.
