Israeli PM’s office confirms ceasefire discussions as violence spread across Gaza, Lebanon
As Israel continues its air raids on Gaza and Lebanon in wars that the international community has condemned, officials from Tel Aviv have met with their U.S. counterparts to discuss a proposed 21-day ceasefire, advanced by the U.S., France, and countries in the Middle East and Europe.
This development marks a significant shift in tone from Israel, especially considering the initial denial of ceasefire talks.
The Muslim Parrot reported earlier that the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated on social media, “news about a ceasefire – not true” and described it as an “American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond.”
However, Israel has now confirmed discussions, saying, “we will continue those discussions in the coming days.”
Prior to this, Netanyahu had instructed Israeli forces to “continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him.” Notably, Netanyahu is currently in New York to address the UN General Assembly.
This change in stance might be linked to international pressure, including a three-phase ceasefire proposal drafted by Egypt and Qatar, which was endorsed by Hamas and supported by the United Nations Security Council as Resolution 2735. The proposal involves a prisoner exchange, ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and a reconstruction process.