Israel launches attacks on Hamas, Hezbollah strongholds ahead of crucial peace talks
The Israeli army has carried out attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah strongholds despite a crucial peace meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
An attack on a suspected rocket base in the Gaza town of Zawayda killed 17 people on Saturday, the Hamas-led Health Ministry said.
The attack came just hours after 10 people were killed and another five wounded in a raid on a suspected Hezbollah arms depot in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanese state media, all those killed in the incident were Syrian nationals.
The news comes as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resume in the Qatari capital Doha.
Smoke rises over Deir al-Balah after the Israeli bombardment on August 17
A man stretches out his arms after 10 people were killed and another five wounded in a raid on a suspected Hezbollah arms depot in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon
The talks are being mediated by host country Egypt and the United States.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Britain would use “every diplomatic lever” to secure a ceasefire.
He said: ‘We are at a crucial moment for global stability.
‘The coming hours and days could be decisive for the future of the Middle East.
“It is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians that an agreement is reached as soon as possible.”
In a joint statement with his French, German and Italian colleagues, Mr Lammy added: ‘We stress the importance of avoiding escalatory measures in the region, as these would undermine the prospects for peace.
“There is too much at stake.”
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden confirmed he would send US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Israel to demonstrate America’s “ironclad” support for the country’s security.
He added: “Now that there is a prospect of a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of the hostages, no one in the region should take any action to undermine this process.”
Syrian women cling to each other outside a hospital in Wadi al-Kfour, Lebanon, after their loved ones were killed by an Israeli airstrike
A red shoe and a teddy bear are seen in the rubble after what Lebanese state media described as an Israeli attack in Nabatieh
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne (left), Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa (center) and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy (right) meet in Ramallah, West Bank, on August 16.
US President Joe Biden (left) confirmed he would send US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (right) to Israel to demonstrate America’s “ironclad” support for the country’s security
The outgoing president also said he felt “we are closer than ever to the end of hostilities,” which began when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7 last year, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 200 hostages.
However, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called reports of a deal “misleading.”
