Cease-fire Endeavors: Tensions Escalate in Lebanon and Gaza

Mediators, led by the US, are intensifying efforts to halt wars in Lebanon and Gaza, proposing temporary cease-fires. Despite negotiations, parties remain steadfast in demands. Key officials hope to safeguard Lebanon from severe conflict as discussions continue around Resolution 1701 and hostages in Gaza.

Mediators, led by the United States, are escalating efforts to cease ongoing wars in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, circulating new proposals amid the Biden administration's final months. However, negotiations have languished, with all involved parties unwilling to back down from their demands.

Senior White House officials, including Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein, are scheduled to visit Israel for talks, focusing on possible cease-fires in both regions and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, CIA Director Bill Burns is slated to head to Egypt to further discuss these topics, according to a US official speaking anonymously.

In Lebanon, discussions center around reviving UN Resolution 1701 to cease hostilities, including a potential two-month cease-fire. Yet, uncertainty remains as Israel expresses reluctance to trust UN peacekeepers, insisting on conditions to act against Hezbollah if required. Concurrently, a four-week cease-fire proposal in Gaza has been tabled, although Hamas remains unmoved without guarantees of a lasting cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal.

(With inputs from agencies.)