Talks Underway to Extend Ceasefire in Lebanon

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said diplomatic efforts are underway to halt military escalation and extend the ceasefire, following recent communications with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Addressing ministers at the start of a cabinet session, Aoun said discussions in Washington focused on stopping ceasefire violations and launching a broader negotiation track aimed at ending the state of war with Israel. This includes Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, the release of prisoners, deployment of the Lebanese army along international borders, and resolving disputes along the Blue Line.

He clarified that some media reports were inaccurate, stressing that contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was never considered.

A meeting in Washington is expected to address the ceasefire extension, including protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure such as homes, places of worship, media, medical, and educational institutions. Lebanon’s ambassador to the U.S. is expected to represent these priorities at the talks.

Aoun said Lebanon’s file is “returning to the American table” at a high level, describing it as a positive development that could open pathways toward economic recovery and reconstruction. He also expressed hope for a future visit to Washington to meet President Trump directly.

The president thanked friendly and brotherly countries for ongoing humanitarian and relief assistance to support displaced civilians.

Reiterating his stance, Aoun said he remains committed to ending the war and destruction, noting widespread exhaustion among Lebanese citizens and families affected by the conflict.

On domestic matters, he proposed reviewing a possible increase in transportation allowances for public sector employees due to rising fuel prices, along with a one-time exceptional financial assistance. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a series of phone calls with senior Palestinian officials and an international envoy to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian territories.

Abdelatty spoke with Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh, Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and the senior international representative for Gaza, reviewing the evolving situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty stressed that ongoing regional escalation should not distract from implementing the second phase of a proposed peace plan, including deploying an international stabilization force, ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid delivery, and advancing early recovery and reconstruction efforts. He also reaffirmed Egypt’s consistent position on the Palestinian cause.

The discussions also addressed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank amid continued Israeli military operations, repeated raids on Palestinian cities and camps, expanding settlement activity, and settler attacks on holy sites. These developments, the ministry warned, are further heightening tensions and undermining prospects for de-escalation and a return to political dialogue.