Efforts continue for full ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel
Lebanon has received a proposal through its embassy in Washington concerning efforts to achieve a complete and comprehensive ceasefire within 24 to 48 hours, starting at midnight between Saturday and Sunday, diplomatic sources said.
The diplomatic sources told MTV that contacts intensified on Saturday between Lebanon and the United States, and subsequently Israel, as well as between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah, specifically through Speaker Nabih Berri.
Berri informed President Joseph Aoun on Saturday evening that the ceasefire idea was serious, reiterating his statement: "Bring a complete ceasefire, and I'll take care of the rest," while expressing considerable caution given Israel's behavior in Gaza and southern Lebanon and its lack of commitment, according to the sources.
"This truce may not be declared, but rather implemented gradually, leading to a ceasefire," the sources added, noting that Hezbollah would be asked to grant Israel around two days to "reduce its strikes, potentially leading to a complete cessation."
"It is not unlikely that Hezbollah will adopt a principle of reciprocity after this brief period. Those involved hope that these efforts, or this pilot period, will succeed in establishing a framework for the 45-day period," the sources said.
"It is unclear whether this step resulted from Lebanese-Israeli discussions or from American-Saudi and perhaps Iranian pressure," the sources added.
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