Lebanon’s caretaker PM hopes ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah is close

World

Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has said he hopes a ceasefire deal between Hezbollah and Israel will be announced “within hours”.

Najib Mikati made the comments after speaking to US envoy Amos Hochstein.

According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, which published details of Lebanon’s proposed draft, it would see Israeli forces pull out within seven days of the truce starting.

It also reportedly includes Israel’s “right to act in self-defence” against imminent threats.

However, the White House urged caution.

It said there were “many reports and drafts circulating” and they “do not reflect the current state of negotiations”.

Israel began a ground offensive in southern Lebanon at the start of October.

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More than a million people have been displaced, according to Lebanon’s government, and hundreds have been killed.

Israel says it’s intended to allow its citizens to return to homes near the border after rocket fire from Hezbollah over the past year forced them to move.

The Iran-aligned group is designated a terrorist entity by countries including the UK and US.

Its new leader, Naim Kassem, said earlier on Wednesday it would keep fighting until it’s offered acceptable ceasefire terms.

In his first public comments since replacing Hassan Nasrallah, he said: “If the Israelis decide to stop the aggression, we say that we accept, but according to the conditions that we see as suitable.”

“We will not beg for a ceasefire as we will continue (fighting)… no matter how long it takes.”

Israeli airstrikes hit the eastern city of Baalbek on Wednesday, according to Lebanon’s state-run news agency.

It came hours after Israel issued an evacuation warning for the whole city, including its Roman temple complex – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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