Israel escalates strikes in Lebanon and Gaza as US touts peace talks
Israel launched its deadliest recent raids on Lebanon, killing at least 11 people, while its national security minister urged daily killings in Gaza, even as a US envoy met Hamas and promoted upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks.
Air attacks on Lebanon resulted in at least 11 fatalities, including three children, adding to a death toll that has exceeded 4,000 since March. At the same time, Israel’s hard-line national security minister advocated killing 30 to 40 Gazans each day and called for intensified bombing. The United States, meanwhile, sent a senior envoy to a rare meeting with Hamas leaders to discuss a cease-fire, and officials highlighted the prospect of Israel-Lebanon negotiations slated for next month.
Why it matters
The clash between escalating military actions and diplomatic overtures signals the fragility of any peace effort in the region.
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