A ceasefire deal between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is reportedly very close, according to a regional source. The death toll in Lebanon has surpassed 3,000 since mid-September due to an uptick in Israeli attacks, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement.
Although the deal is said to be closer than ever, it has not been finalized yet. US and Israeli officials have indicated that no green light has been given to mediators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson mentioned that while progress is being made, there are still some issues to address.
Hezbollah is currently considering a US-Israeli proposal for a 60-day pause in fighting, which some hope could pave the way for a lasting ceasefire. The conflict escalated in mid-September following border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, triggered by Hezbollah's show of solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel's offensive has included a ground invasion, the elimination of several Hezbollah leaders, and numerous casualties. US envoy Amos Hochstein has been engaged in talks with regional officials to facilitate a deal. Hochstein reportedly warned the Israeli ambassador to Washington that if Israel does not respond positively to the ceasefire proposal soon, he may withdraw from the mediation efforts.
Recent Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 84 people and injuries to 213 others, with a significant number of casualties occurring in a strike on a multi-story building in central Beirut. The total death toll in Lebanon since September 16 stands at 3,072, with 13,426 individuals injured in the conflict.
