The United States Submits Draft Ceasefire Proposal to Lebanon
The United States’ ambassador to Lebanon has submitted a draft truce proposal to Lebanon’s speaker of parliament, Nabih Berri, in an effort to halt fighting between the militant organization Hezbollah and Israel, according to two political sources who spoke to Reuters.
Despite ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, no concrete results have been achieved yet. Israel intensified its air and ground campaign in late September following cross-border clashes.
US Proposal Details
US ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson met with Berri, a key Hezbollah ally and diplomatic intermediary, to present the US’ initial written proposal. The proposal aims to gather feedback from the Lebanese side, although specific details have not been disclosed.
Previous truce initiatives have centered on implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The resolution mandates that southern Lebanon must be free of non-state weapons.
- Draft proposals have included plans for a monitoring mechanism involving other countries.
- Lebanon supports Resolution 1701 as a pathway to resolve the current conflict.
- Israel insists on retaining the right to target Hezbollah if it breaches the truce terms or poses a threat.
Israeli Strikes in Damascus
Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings in Damascus resulted in the deaths of fifteen individuals, as reported by Syrian state media. Israel claimed the strikes targeted military sites and the headquarters of the Islamic Jihad group.
The targeted buildings were situated in the suburbs of Mazzeh and Qudsaya in western Damascus, according to the Syrian news agency SANA.
Israel has conducted strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years, escalating such operations since last year. Mazzeh is known to host Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commanders.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Islamist political party and militant group, was established in 1982 following an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. The group, supported by Iran, holds a significant number of parliamentary seats in Lebanon.
Hezbollah is recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Australia, the US, Israel, Germany, and the UK. The European Union only designates its military wing as terrorist.
Hezbollah does not differentiate between its political and military wings.
Conclusion
Efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah continue, with the US submitting a draft proposal to Lebanon for consideration. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Damascus have raised tensions in the region, underscoring the complex dynamics at play.
FAQs
What is the significance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701?
Resolution 1701 plays a crucial role in guiding efforts to resolve conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly in ensuring southern Lebanon remains free of unauthorized weaponry.
Why is Hezbollah considered a terrorist organization?
Hezbollah’s involvement in militant activities, along with its support from Iran, has led several countries to designate the group as a terrorist organization due to its perceived threat to regional stability.