As Israel continues its military operations deep inside Lebanon, the United States announced on Sunday that it has proposed a de-escalation plan for the country.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of efforts to end hostilities in Lebanon.
According to a U.S. official, the plan calls for Hezbollah to halt attacks on Israel and for Israel to de-escalate its military actions.
Israeli forces are reportedly making their deepest incursion into Lebanon in over a quarter-century, an Associated Press report said, complicating prospects for Washington’s efforts to broker an end to the conflict involving Israel and Iran.
The Israeli military operations in Lebanon—which Tel Aviv says target Hezbollah—have destabilized the country, with more than 3,300 people killed since March 2 and approximately one million people displaced from their homes.
Israel reports that it has lost 25 soldiers in the conflict, which it launched soon after attacks on Iran on February 28.
The new U.S. proposal aims for a “gradual de-escalation” that would lead to a complete end to all hostilities, according to a U.S. official cited by Al Jazeera.
The news channel also reported that the U.S. official held Hezbollah responsible for the conflict, stating that Israel is not expected to tolerate attacks on its civilians.
“The quickest way to protect civilians and reduce escalation is for Hezbollah to cease fire immediately,” the U.S. official said.
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported nearly 670 projectile movements on Wednesday last week, which it said was the highest number since the cessation of hostilities took effect on 17 April.
The world body’s mission reported ground and air activity by the Israeli military, including armoured vehicle movements and strikes north of the Litani River.
“We again urge all to respect the cessation of hostilities and stop any further attacks. We reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted. We condemn the loss of civilian lives” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
