Iran backs Lebanon ceasefire talks, seeks to end 'problem'

(CLO) Iran affirmed that it will support any decision by Lebanon in negotiations to reach a ceasefire with Israel.

This is a sign that Tehran wants to end the conflict that has caused heavy losses for Hezbollah, its close ally in Lebanon.

The scene of an Israeli airstrike in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon, November 15, 2024. Photo: AP

On November 15, Israeli airstrikes destroyed five more buildings in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah-controlled area of ​​southern Beirut. One of the destroyed buildings was located near a busy intersection in Tayouneh. Video captured the building collapsing, sending a cloud of dust and debris over the central Horsh Beirut park.

The Israeli military said the air strikes targeted Hezbollah ammunition depots, headquarters and infrastructure. It also issued advance warning of the targets to be attacked.

Two political sources in Lebanon revealed that the US Ambassador to the country presented the draft ceasefire agreement to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on November 14. Berri, who is trusted by Hezbollah to represent the negotiations, met with senior Iranian official Ali Larijani the following day.

Larijani denied any intention to sabotage the US-proposed ceasefire plan, saying: "We are not seeking to sabotage, but to find a solution to the problem."

However, Israel has demanded freedom of action if Hezbollah violates the agreement, which Lebanon has rejected.

The conflict has forced more than a million Lebanese to flee their homes, creating a major humanitarian crisis. Since October 7, 2023, the Lebanese Ministry of Health has recorded at least 3,445 deaths due to Israeli attacks, including civilians and militants.

Meanwhile, Israel said Hezbollah attacks killed about 100 people, including soldiers and civilians, in northern Israel, the Golan Heights and southern Lebanon.

The European Union (EU) strongly condemns attacks on medical personnel, especially the airstrike near Baalbek that killed 12 medical workers. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stressed: "Attacks on medical personnel and facilities are serious violations of international humanitarian law."

The United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) also said an Israeli shell landed at its headquarters in Shama but did not explode, and condemned the attacks on the force.

Despite progress in US-led diplomatic efforts, the prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain. Hezbollah continues its rocket attacks, while Israel continues its attacks on military and civilian targets in Lebanon.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, NBC)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/iran-ung-ho-lebanon-dam-phan-ngung-ban-tim-cach-cham-dut-van-de-post321610.html