Israeli forces Lebanon/ Hezbollah clashes/ ceasefire talks/ Gaza death toll/ U.S. mediation Lebanon/ Newslooks/ BEIRUT/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli troops advanced to their deepest position in Lebanon since the October invasion, capturing a strategic hill near Chamaa before retreating after fierce battles with Hezbollah. Meanwhile, U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing, with Hezbollah and Lebanese officials reviewing a draft proposal. In Gaza, Israeli strikes continue, with the death toll surpassing 43,000.
Israeli Troops Reach Deepest Point in Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Talks: Quick Looks
- Ground Offensive: Israeli forces reached Chamaa, 5 kilometers inside Lebanon, before withdrawing after battles with Hezbollah.
- Lebanese Reports: Claims of shrine destruction and home demolitions remain unverified.
- Ceasefire Negotiations: Lebanese officials and Hezbollah review a U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal.
- Beirut Airstrikes: Israeli warplanes hit Dahiyeh and Tyre; casualties remain unclear.
- Gaza Violence: Death toll climbs to over 43,000 amid continued Israeli bombardments.
Israel Advances into Lebanon Amid U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Talks
Deep Look
Israeli forces advanced into Lebanon’s southern region early Saturday, marking their deepest incursion since the conflict began six weeks ago. The military operation highlights the ongoing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, even as diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire gain momentum.
Israeli Advance and Clashes in Chamaa
Israeli troops captured a key hill in the village of Chamaa, approximately 5 kilometers from the Israeli border, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Fierce clashes with Hezbollah militants ensued, forcing Israeli forces to retreat. Reports allege Israeli troops destroyed homes and the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet during their withdrawal, though these claims remain unverified.
The Israeli military characterized its activities as “localized, targeted operational actions” and refrained from commenting on specific Lebanese reports.
Airstrikes in Lebanon
Israeli warplanes conducted extensive strikes on Hezbollah positions, targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, and areas around Tyre. The Israeli military called Dahiyeh a Hezbollah stronghold and confirmed multiple strikes on suspected militant infrastructure.
Residents received advance warnings, minimizing potential casualties, though precise numbers remain unknown.
Ceasefire Talks Gain Traction
The intensification of violence comes amid U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire. A U.S.-drafted proposal, rooted in the framework of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, has been shared with Lebanese leaders. The resolution, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, emphasizes maintaining sovereignty and demilitarized zones.
Lebanese officials, including Hezbollah representatives, are reportedly reviewing the terms. Key points of contention include:
- Sovereignty Concerns: Speaker Nabih Berri rejected clauses allowing Israeli intervention in Lebanon if the agreement is violated.
- Oversight Committee: Lebanese officials oppose the involvement of Western nations in supervising compliance.
“We will not accept any infringement of our sovereignty,” Berri stated, while noting that discussions are ongoing.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Israeli military continues its campaign in Gaza, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting 35 fatalities in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to over 43,799. The majority are said to be women and children, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
The U.N. Security Council is reviewing a draft resolution for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. While Russia, China, Britain, and France are expected to support or abstain, the U.S. holds critical sway over the resolution’s fate.
Looking Ahead
As ground battles in Lebanon escalate and airstrikes continue in Gaza, ceasefire talks represent a fragile glimmer of hope. However, deep-seated distrust and unresolved political demands pose significant hurdles to achieving a lasting peace.
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