Lebanon to seek ceasefire extension, halt to home demolitions in US-mediated talks with Israel: Official

Lebanon will ask to extend the ceasefire with Israel and stop home demolitions in southern villages during Thursday’s talks in Washington, a senior Lebanese official said.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Anadolu, said the meeting scheduled for Thursday evening is a follow-up to a preparatory session held last week.

“Lebanon will request during the meeting an extension of the ceasefire and a halt to the demolition of homes and the bulldozing of houses in occupied villages,” the source said.

The talks at the ambassadorial level in Washington aim at reaching a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

A 10-day ceasefire announced by the US on April 16 is set to expire Sunday and has been violated daily by Israel.

Over 2,200 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced by expanded Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2, soon after the start of the Iran war.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul