By Enyichukwu Enemanna
US Secretary of State Tuesday announced that efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon were “in the final stages”, expressing hope that a deal could help end the Gaza conflict.
“We’re not there yet. But I believe we are in the final stages,” Antony Blinken said after a meeting near Rome with G7 counterparts.
He added that “by de-escalating tensions in the region, it can also help us to end the conflict in Gaza”.
G-7 has member nations including Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Italy and the United States.
Their meeting had also discussed aims to end the Gaza war, Blinken said.
Blinken spoke on Tuesday as Israel’s security cabinet was also meeting to discuss a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
Blinken said after months of “intensive diplomatic effort” with partners including France, working with Lebanon and Israel, he hoped to reach a conclusion “very soon”.
“It will make a big difference in saving lives and livelihoods in Lebanon and in Israel. It will make a big difference in creating the conditions that will allow people to return to their home safely in northern Israel and in southern Lebanon,” he said.
“And I also believe that by de-escalating tensions in the region, it can also help us to end the conflict in Gaza in particular.
“Hamas will know that it can’t count on other fronts opening up in the war. So we’re tracking this very closely, and I hope and believe that we can get this over the finish line.”
