Israeli ground forces have reached the furthest point in Lebanon since their invasion six weeks ago, according to Lebanese state media. The troops captured a strategic hill in the village of Chamaa, which is about 3 miles from the Israeli border, before being pushed back after fierce battles with Hezbollah militants.
The Israeli military stated that their troops are engaged in limited and targeted operations in southern Lebanon. This push on the ground was accompanied by airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas in southern Lebanon, including the city of Tyre.
Lebanon and Hezbollah officials are considering a draft proposal presented by the U.S. to end the conflict. The proposal is based on U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the previous war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.
Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has reportedly asked Iran to convince Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire with Israel, based on the U.S. proposal. The draft does not allow for Israeli action in Lebanon if the agreement is violated, which has been a point of contention. Talks are ongoing to address this and other details in the proposal.
Efforts are also being made to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began after Palestinian militants attacked Israel in 2023. The U.N. Security Council has circulated a draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution’s adoption hinges on the stance of the U.S., Israel’s closest ally.
In the past 24 hours, 35 people in Gaza have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, bringing the total death toll to 43,799. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that over half of those killed have been women and children.
The situation in the region remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to find a peaceful resolution to the conflicts. The impact of the violence on civilians underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region.
