US envoy urges immediate diplomacy to halt escalation North Palestine
3 Min Read
A senior US envoy Amos Hochstein has emphasized the urgency of diplomatic efforts to stop the escalating situation along the northern borders.
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US special envoy Amos Hochstein addresses the media after meeting with Lebanon's Parliament Speaker in Beirut on June 18, 2024. (AFP)
US envoy Amos Hochstein called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions on the northern border between Lebanon and "Israel" during his visit to Beirut.
"It's in everyone's interest to resolve it quickly and diplomatically -- that is both achievable and it is urgent," he stressed.
Hochstein held discussions with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in al-Quds the previous day.
"Speaker Berri and I had a very a good discussion," Hochstein said.
"We discussed the current security and political situation in Lebanon as well as the deal on the table right now with respect to Gaza, which also provides an opportunity to end the conflict across the Blue Line," he stated.
"A ceasefire in Gaza and, or, an alternative diplomatic solution could also bring the conflict across the Blue Line to an end" and permit those who have been displaced to return to northern "Israel" and southern Lebanon, the envoy continued.
"This is a serious time and a critical moment," Hochstein stated later after meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, calling their discourse "excellent".
"What we are working together (to do) is to try to identify a ways to get to a place where we prevent a further escalation," he added.
On his part, Mikati said that "what is required is to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon and return to calm and stability on the southern border."
In a statement from his office, Mikati added that "continued Israeli threats" will not distract Lebanon from seeking calm.
Hochstein also had a meeting with the chief of the Lebanese army, Joseph Aoun.
The big picture
This is happening as the Military Media of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah released Tuesday footage showing its reconnaissance drones flying over swathes of occupied Palestinian land, including Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, Safad, Karmiel, Afula, extending to Haifa and its port.
Under the title, "This is what the Hoopoe brought back," the nine-minute-and-a-half video exposed sensitive Israeli sites. Hezbollah indicated that the video was the first episode of more to come, highlighting that the drones bypassed Israeli air defenses and returned to Lebanese airspace without being detected.
It is worth noting that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon continues to pound Israeli military sites and soldier's gatherings along the border with occupied Palestine in support of Gaza and its Resistance since October 8.
