Lebanon and Israel to hold new talks in US later as ceasefire nears end
Delegations from Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to meet for a third round of negotiations in the United States as a fragile truce approaches its expiration date
Lebanese and Israeli delegations are scheduled to begin a third round of diplomatic talks in Washington on Thursday. These high-level negotiations are taking place as the current ceasefire agreement, which was established on April 17, nears its expiration date. The meeting in the United States follows previous rounds of discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict and maintaining a fragile peace between the two nations. The delegations are expected to convene just days before the truce is set to lapse.[1][2][3]
The lead-up to the talks has been marked by a significant escalation in military activity and casualties. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 22 people, including eight children, were killed in a series of intensified Israeli airstrikes on the eve of the negotiations. According to an AFP tally based on data provided by Lebanese authorities, more than 400 people have been killed by Israeli strikes since the truce officially came into effect in mid-April, despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting settlement.[1][3]
