US Envoy Sees Chance for Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire

US envoy Amos Hochstein announced a 'real opportunity' for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah following talks in Beirut, expressing optimism that a deal is 'within our grasp'. This comes after Hezbollah's allies indicated a positive response to a US proposal which would involve the withdrawal of both Hezbollah and Israeli forces from a UN buffer zone in southern Lebanon, with additional peacekeepers to be deployed. Hochstein emphasized the need for a decisive agreement from both parties, while highlighting the significant narrowing of gaps during discussions with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Concurrently, the situation in Gaza has worsened, with the looting of aid trucks exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has led to thousands of casualties and massive displacement, further complicating efforts for peace. Hochstein's visit represents a potential last diplomatic push from the Biden administration before the upcoming change in US leadership.