Hochstein links preventing regional war to Gaza ceasefire
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The US special envoy Amos Hochstein emphasizes the urgency of securing a Gaza ceasefire, which he believes could also address the tensions at the Lebanese-Palestinian borders.
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US special envoy Amos Hochstein gestures as he meets with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, August 14, 2024. (AP)
US special envoy Amos Hochstein warned that time is running out to secure a Gaza ceasefire and a deal for the release of captives, which could also bring an end to the situation on the Lebanese-Palestinian borders.
He stated at a news conference during a visit to Beirut that he had discussed with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri "the framework agreement that’s on the table for a Gaza ceasefire," adding that both agreed there is no more time to waste and no valid excuses for further delay.
“The deal would also help enable a diplomatic resolution here in Lebanon and that would prevent an outbreak of a wider war,” Hochstein added.
The US envoy mentioned that he discussed the framework agreement for a Gaza ceasefire with Berri, noting that the deal could also facilitate a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon, helping to avert a full-blown war.
"We continue to believe that a diplomatic resolution is achievable because we continue to believe that no one truly wants a full-scale war between Lebanon and Israel," he stressed.
During their meeting, Berri expressed to Hochstein his deep concerns about "Israel's" escalating actions, particularly cross-border assassinations affecting Lebanon and Iran, in reference to the assassination of the head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the assassination of Hezbollah's top military leader Sayyed Fouad Shokor in Beirut.
In a related development, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Hochstein at the Grand Serail. The meeting included US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson and other delegates. From the Lebanese side, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Director General of the Presidency Antoine Choucair, and advisors Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati were also present. The discussions were focused on current bilateral relations and regional developments.
Al-Manar correspondent Ali Shoeib:
— aya (@political_aya__) August 14, 2024
Sara and Lara Termos and their grandmother were wounded with shrapnel from the "israeli" drone attack on Al-Abbasiyeh, South Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/lyjEzyaxwX
It is worth noting that while US Envoy Hochstein is in Lebanon attempting to "de-escalate" the situation, "Israel" carried out an aggression on al-Abbasiyeh in South Lebanon, leaving at least 10 citizens, some in critical condition, including children, injured.
Hamas refuses to engage in talks unless based on July 2 paper: Source
Earlier today, a senior Resistance official told Al Mayadeen that Hamas will not participate in the meetings taking place in the Qatari capital Doha tomorrow, Thursday, over a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal with the Israeli occupation entity.
The official indicated that the Palestinian Resistance movement refuses to start negotiations unless they are based on the last ceasefire proposal presented on July 2.
In addition, Hamas asserted that Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set new conditions that undermine the negotiation process.
On Tuesday, a source within Hamas confirmed to Reuters that the movement is holding on to its demand, calling for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement the movement approved on July 2 and compelling "Israel" to comply with it instead of engaging in new rounds of negotiations.
The source denied allegations published by CNN that the movement's representatives were scheduled to attend the Doha meetings, asserting that all such claims were "incorrect".
The source also stressed that "what we [Hamas] need is implementation, not more talks," consistent with a previous statement issued by the movement.
Read more: US tells 'Israel' time to reach agreement to prevent regional war: CNN
