The acting prime minister of Lebanon expressed his optimism for a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel to be revealed “in the next hours or days.”
Najib Mikati made these remarks following his conversation with American representative Amos Hochstein.
Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that the proposed agreement was drafted by the United States on October 26, and would entail Israel withdrawing within a week of the ceasefire taking effect.
This initial ceasefire is said to last for 60 days and would incorporate Israel‘s right to respond in self-defense against imminent dangers.
During an interview with Lebanon‘s Al Jadeed television, Mr. Mikati stated that the envoy “implied that we might reach an accord prior to the end of this month and before November 5” (the date of the US elections).
“We are making every effort and we should stay hopeful that in the approaching hours or days, a ceasefire will be established,” Mr. Mikati expressed.
However, the White House urged a careful approach.
National security spokesperson Sean Savett remarked that there are “multiple drafts and reports circulating” which “do not accurately represent the ongoing state of negotiations.”
Neither Israel nor Hezbollah have provided immediate comments regarding the reports.
Baalbek, located in eastern Lebanon, experienced airstrikes on Wednesday. Pic: Fadi Majdaloun
Israel launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon at the beginning of October and has been conducting airstrikes, including in the capital, Beirut.
The nation claims that the offensive aims to enable its citizens to return to their homes near the border after sustained rocket fire from Hezbollah has forced their relocation over the past year.
The Iran-backed group is categorized as a terrorist organization by nations such as the UK and the US.
Its newly appointed leader, Naim Kassem, previously indicated that it will continue to resist until unsatisfactory ceasefire terms are amended.
In his inaugural public remarks since taking over from Hassan Nasrallah, he stated: “If the Israelis opt to cease their aggression, we declare our readiness to accept, provided the terms are acceptable to us.”
“We will not plead for a ceasefire as we shall persist in our fight… regardless of how long it takes.”
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Inside a bombed hospital in Beirut
As Israeli bombardments persisted on Wednesday, airstrikes targeted the historic eastern city of Baalbek.
Nineteen individuals across two towns in the area—eight of whom were women—sustained fatal injuries, according to the health ministry.
This attack ensued mere hours after Israel issued an evacuation notice for the entire city, including its Roman architectural complex recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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The Lebanese health ministry reports that over 2,790 individuals have lost their lives and around 12,700 have been injured since October 8 of last year when Hezbollah commenced its rocket assaults and Israel responded.
The majority of these fatalities have occurred within the last five weeks, and officials indicate that over a million people have been displaced.
