Diplomatic Engagements in Beirut
In a significant diplomatic move, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has reached out to Iran to facilitate a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. During a meeting in Beirut with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Mikati urged Tehran to persuade its ally, Hezbollah, to consider a deal that could lead to the militant group’s withdrawal from the Israel-Lebanon border. This meeting highlights Lebanon’s growing urgency to end ongoing hostilities and establish peace in the region.
A Call for Resolution 1701
Mikati expressed his desire for the war to conclude and emphasized the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which facilitated a ceasefire after the last Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006. He conveyed this message to Larijani, reinforcing the Lebanese government’s commitment to a comprehensive resolution. According to official statements, Beirut has received a draft proposal based on this crucial resolution, and Hezbollah officials are currently reviewing it, signaling progress in discussions for a potential ceasefire.
U.S. Involvement and Regional Dynamics
Reports indicate that U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, provided a draft proposal to Nabih Berri, the Speaker of Parliament who mediates on behalf of Hezbollah. This step reflects ongoing international involvement in efforts to stabilize the situation in Lebanon. Larijani, after his meetings with Mikati and Berri, reiterated Iran’s support for Lebanon, declaring their commitment to standing by the Lebanese people during these challenging times.
Acknowledging Iran’s Key Role
Iran plays a crucial role as Hezbollah’s primary supporter, having funded and provided military resources to the group for years. The relationship between Iran and Hezbollah deepened after the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 of last year, which sparked a wider conflict. In response, Hezbollah began launching rockets into northern Israel, resulting in a cycle of retaliatory violence from both sides.
Humanitarian Toll and Escalation of Conflict
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians, with more than 3,400 people reported killed in Lebanon as a result of Israeli strikes, a staggering 80% of whom died in the past month alone, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israeli forces intensified their operations in Lebanon following increased rocket fire from Hezbollah. The dire situation underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect innocent lives and restore stability in the region.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Foreign Policy
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