US Envoy Works to Secure Lebanon Ceasefire as Violence Escalates
Amos Hochstein, the US Special Envoy, announced that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is “within our grasp.” Hochstein held constructive talks with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, aiming to finalize the terms of the truce. The proposal includes Israeli and Hezbollah forces withdrawing from southern Lebanon, with a strengthened UN buffer zone reinforced by international and Lebanese troops.
Despite optimism, fighting continues unabated. On Tuesday, an Israeli reservist, Sgt. First Class Omer Moshe Gaeldor, 30, was killed by a Hezbollah drone in southern Lebanon. The IDF expanded its ground operations to dismantle Hezbollah’s rocket and tunnel infrastructure, which threatens northern Israeli communities. In a significant blow to Hezbollah, IDF airstrikes killed Ali Tawfiq Dweiq, the commander of its medium-range rocket unit.
Tensions have surged since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October, drawing Hezbollah into the conflict. The group has launched over 400 rockets at Israel over the past week, targeting cities and military positions. In retaliation, the IDF has intensified airstrikes, reportedly killing thousands of Hezbollah operatives and civilians.
The UN and UNICEF expressed concern over the rising death toll, particularly among children. Over 200 children have been killed in Lebanon since Israel escalated operations in September. UNICEF decried the “normalization of horror” as children continue to be casualties in the prolonged conflict.
Meanwhile, Lebanon faces immense pressure to adhere to UN Resolution 1701, which mandates a Hezbollah-free zone near the Israeli border. Differences persist between the two sides on the terms of the ceasefire, including enforcement mechanisms and the composition of the buffer zone forces. Israel insists on a Western-backed enforcement structure, while Lebanon advocates for Arab military participation.
Hochstein is expected to visit Israel to continue negotiations as both sides work towards a potential resolution.