Amidst escalating tensions, diplomatic initiatives to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon are showing signs of progress. On Thursday, Israel intensified its offensive against Hezbollah, marking the third consecutive day of heavy air strikes targeting Beirut's Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs.
The conflict has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with Lebanon's Health Ministry reporting at least 3,386 fatalities since October 7, 2023. Recent Israeli strikes in Baalbek and southern Lebanon have resulted in significant loss of life, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
In response to the escalating violence, the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon submitted a draft truce proposal to Lebanon's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri. This marks Washington's first written attempt to halt the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in several weeks, signaling a potential breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations.
The World Bank highlights the severe economic impact of the conflict, estimating damages and losses in Lebanon to reach $8.5 billion. This economic strain compounds the country's ongoing challenges, five years after a financial collapse.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains hopeful that sustained negotiations can bring an end to the violence and pave the way for stability in the region.
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Lebanese ceasefire efforts inch ahead as Israel continues air strikes
cgtn.com
