World News: In a significant development amid heightened tensions, Hezbollahs new leader, Naim Qassem, expressed openness to a conditional ceasefire as Israeli airstrikes continued on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. Following the assassination of former leader Hassan Nasrallah, Qassem asserted Hezbollahs readiness to endure prolonged conflict but indicated willingness for peace talks under favorable terms. “If the Israelis decide they want to stop the aggression, we say we accept, but under the conditions that we see as appropriate and suitable,” Qassem remarked in an interview with Al-Jadeed.Israeli intensifies strikes on Hezbollah strongholdsIsraeli forces have concentrated attacks on Baalbek, an eastern Lebanese city heavily associated with Hezbollah. Recent bombings have reportedly resulted in heavy casualties, including the death of a senior Hezbollah commander. Lebanons health ministry has confirmed at least 19 deaths from the latest strikes in Baalbek, signaling an escalating human toll.Lebanons optimism for ceasefireLebanons Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, expressed “cautious optimism” regarding the possibility of a truce. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has suggested that a ceasefire could be reached before the upcoming U.S. elections. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen corroborated ongoing talks within Israels security cabinet, exploring terms for a 60-day ceasefire contingent on Hezbollahs pullback from border areas.U.S. steps up diplomatic effortsAs violence escalates, the U.S. has mobilized diplomatic resources to encourage progress in peace negotiations. President Bidens Middle East adviser, accompanied by Hochstein, is set to visit Israel to mediate potential ceasefire terms, targeting both the Lebanon-Israel border and Gaza. This follows a wave of deadly strikes in Gaza that has sparked global condemnation.Rising casualties and global concernsAccording to AFP, Lebanon has reported approximately 1,754 casualties since the conflicts resurgence in September. Amid these escalating figures, international diplomatic efforts are intensifying, with the potential for a ceasefire delicately hanging in the balance.
