(Cupventi.com) – A potential ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah may be closer than ever, according to regional sources, even as the violence escalates, leaving thousands dead and injured. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, an unnamed regional insider indicated progress in the negotiations, describing a deal as “very close,” though still incomplete.
The toll of the ongoing conflict is staggering. Since the resurgence of violence in mid-September, more than 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli strikes, with thousands more injured. Lebanese health ministry figures compiled by CNN reflect the dire need for a resolution to prevent further devastation.
While optimism exists, U.S. and Israeli officials have cautioned against premature expectations. “We are moving in this direction, but there are still some issues to address,” a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN.
Recent negotiations have focused on a U.S.-Israeli proposal for a 60-day cessation of hostilities. The plan is viewed as a potential stepping stone to a more durable peace. Tensions initially flared when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, aligning with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza. In response, Israel initiated a large-scale offensive in Lebanon, escalating the conflict with a ground invasion and targeted strikes.
High-profile casualties have marked Israel’s campaign, including the killing of senior Hezbollah leaders such as Hassan Nasrallah, one of the group’s founders. Exploding pagers and advanced weaponry have characterized the conflict, leaving countless civilians in peril.
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has been actively involved in brokering a deal, holding discussions with regional stakeholders. However, his patience appears to be wearing thin. Axios reporter Barak Ravid shared that Hochstein warned the Israeli ambassador to Washington on Saturday of potential withdrawal from the mediation process if Israel does not engage with the ceasefire proposal in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government is evaluating the proposal. Prime Minister Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting over the weekend to assess the situation. Despite these efforts, Saturday saw some of the deadliest strikes yet. At least 84 people were killed, including nearly 30 in a densely populated Beirut neighborhood hit by a multi-story building strike.
Lebanon has borne the brunt of the conflict’s human cost. Since September 16, a total of 3,072 fatalities and 13,426 injuries have been reported, emphasizing the urgency of diplomatic intervention.
As talks progress, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could stem the tide of violence.