Hochstein Optimistic About Ceasefire in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions
US Special Envoy to Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, has expressed optimism regarding the possibility of a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon in the near future. His comments come as Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasizes the urgent need to increase pressure on Israel to halt its military actions and adhere to UN Resolution 1701. This resolution, established in 2006, mandates a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and calls for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon, except for the Lebanese Armed Forces and UN peacekeepers.
In discussions with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer addressed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of civilians in both Lebanon and Israel. The US State Department reiterated its commitment to Israel's security while also highlighting the importance of improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Mikati Calls for Implementation of UN Resolution 1701
Prime Minister Mikati has reiterated Lebanon's commitment to implementing UN Resolution 1701 and has called for full cooperation between the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In a meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mikati discussed the critical need for de-escalation and the full enforcement of the Security Council resolution.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, with numerous UNIFIL personnel injured in attacks attributed to Israeli forces. These incidents have drawn international condemnation, with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto describing one attack as potentially constituting a war crime. The ongoing conflict, which intensified following Israel's military actions in Gaza that began on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement within Lebanon, with over 3,287 deaths and approximately 1.4 million people displaced since September 23, according to Lebanese officials.
