Hezbollah Signals Diplomatic Door Open for Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, left open the possibility of a negotiated ceasefire with Israel in a recent statement from deputy leader Naim Qassem. This comes amid intensified regional tensions and Israeli operations in Lebanon, following deadly incursions and assassinations of Hezbollah leaders.

In a significant development, Iran-supported Hezbollah has indicated a possible openness to a negotiated ceasefire with Israel. This potential diplomatic shift was announced by Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, in a televised address. His statement follows a year of escalated hostilities, largely tied to ongoing Israeli incursions in southern Lebanon and Gaza.

Qassem expressed backing for a ceasefire facilitated by Lebanon's Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, signaling Hezbollah's willingness to halt combat without insisting on a Gaza ceasefire as a prerequisite. This marks a potential softening in Hezbollah's long-standing stance, as it grapples with the loss of leaders like Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to Israeli strikes.

As Israel maintains its pressure with further military operations and assassinations of key figures, Iran has cautioned against retaliatory actions. Meanwhile, regional concerns grow over Lebanon's food security and public health amid ongoing conflict and displacement.

(With inputs from agencies.)