US Proposes Roadmap for De-Escalation in Lebanon to Lebanese Government Officials

US Official Proposes Ceasefire Plan for Lebanon Conflict

A US official has announced a proposal to de-escalate hostilities in Lebanon, which includes a halt on attacks by Hezbollah and refraining by Israel from further escalation in Beirut. The plan aims to create an environment conducive to gradual de-escalation and complete cessation of all hostilities.

According to the official, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held separate talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the proposal. The US official stated that under this “roadmap,” Hezbollah would cease all attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from further escalation in Beirut.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his military to attack targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, despite the proposed ceasefire plan. Netanyahu called Sunday’s operation a “dramatic shift” in the campaign against Hezbollah and promised to push deeper into Lebanon.

The US official placed responsibility for the current round of fighting squarely on Hezbollah, accusing it of following Iran’s directives without regard for Lebanese interests. The official also stated that Iran is prolonging the conflict to position itself as a mediator.

The capture of Beaufort Castle by Israeli forces has been met with criticism from countries across the world. French President Emmanuel Macron said “nothing justifies” Israel’s escalation, while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called on Israel to halt its military activity in Lebanon. Qatar condemned Israel’s continuing attacks on Lebanon and described the campaign as a serious escalation and violation of international law.

The latest figures show that over 3,412 people have been killed and 10,269 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over one million people across Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera