Beirut: Lebanon's leadership has renewed calls for a permanent ceasefire with Israel ahead of a new round of negotiations in Washington, even as fresh attacks along the border underscore the fragility of efforts to end the conflict.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the fifth round of indirect negotiations with Israel, scheduled to take place in Washington next week.
The meeting comes after the United States, Pakistan and Iran announced the completion of a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending ongoing regional hostilities. The agreement, which is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday, includes provisions intended to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Welcoming the initiative as a positive step towards de-escalation, Lebanon's leaders reiterated demands for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, the return of Lebanese detainees and the launch of reconstruction efforts in affected areas.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem also welcomed the development, thanking Iran for its support in helping end what he described as Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, fighting continued on the ground. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in areas described as security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for as long as necessary.
On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces said it intercepted several rockets launched by Hezbollah towards Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The military added that it subsequently targeted and destroyed the launcher used in the attack.
At the same time, Israeli strikes intensified in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh region. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, drone attacks in the town of Mayfadoun killed four people and injured several others. Reports said a vehicle was initially targeted before additional strikes hit the area after residents gathered at the scene. Another vehicle was later struck nearby.
Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said hostilities between March and mid-June had resulted in 3,826 deaths and 11,851 injuries. Rescue teams have also recovered dozens of bodies from villages in the Bint Jbeil district as search operations continue in previously inaccessible areas.
With negotiations set to resume in Washington, officials hope diplomatic efforts can translate into a lasting reduction in violence. However, continuing military operations on both sides highlight the challenges facing any long-term settlement.
(With agency inputs from Reuters)