A view of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)
“We can confirm that the Department will host a meeting next week to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon,” a State Department official said, confirming an earlier account from a source familiar with the diplomatic efforts.
The talks follow the opening of US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan on a ceasefire that Islamabad says extends to Lebanon.
Israel and the United States say Israel’s invasion of Lebanon is not covered by the two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, while Iran and Pakistan, the mediator of the talks insists it is a key part of the agreement, that was accepeted by Donald Trump and that Israeli strikes violate its terms.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Thursday that Israeli strikes across the country on Wednesday killed more than 300 people and wounded at least 1,150.
Egypt, Turkey and Russia, among others, have called for a halt to Israeli attacks and insisted Lebanon be included in the broader truce.
A Hezbollah lawmaker reiterated the group’s rejection of direct negotiations with Israel Thursday, calling “on the Lebanese government to adhere to the ceasefire as a precondition before proceeding with any further steps.”
A Lebanese government official told AFP that Beirut wants a ceasefire in place before initiating any talks with Israel.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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