A damaged mosque is shown Wednesday, a day after an Israeli airstrike hit the village of Maashouk in southern Lebanon. According to the Disaster Management Unit of the Lebanese government, Israeli attacks across Lebanon have killed more than 3,045 people and injured more than 9,310 others since the start of renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA
BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 21 (UPI) -- Lebanon took a gamble by engaging in direct negotiations with Israel that opened the door to security and political talks. Yet, that failed to stop the fighting despite a 45-day extension of a cease-fire.
The U.S.-brokered talks emerged as Lebanon's last resort to end the raging war between Israel and Hezbollah that broke out when the Iran-backed militant group opened a support front for Gaza on Oct. 8, 2023.
A first cease-fire was achieved Nov. 27, 2024, but it failed to restrain Israel, prompting Hezbollah to resume fighting March 2 after 15 months of inactivity as it regrouped from heavy losses.
A second cease-fire, reached April 16, was extended for 45 days Friday during the third round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Washington.
