US envoy reports positive progress in Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire talks
US envoy Amos Hochstein reported "positive progress" in ceasefire talks between Hezbollah and Israel after discussions in Beirut. Hezbollah has shown willingness to agree to a US proposal, narrowing gaps with Israel, which Hochstein will discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. The conflict began on October 8, 2023, following Hezbollah's rocket attacks in response to Hamas. Since then, Israel has intensified its military actions, resulting in significant losses for Hezbollah. Recent talks suggest a ceasefire is increasingly possible, though key details remain unclear. Israel seeks to push Hezbollah back from its border and wants the ability to enforce a ceasefire unilaterally. Hezbollah has rejected any terms that would allow Israeli forces to operate freely in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths and significant destruction in Lebanon.