Lebanon says ceasefire must be in place before Israel talks

Key Points:

• Lebanon has stated it will only engage in direct negotiations with Israel next week if a ceasefire is established beforehand, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authorization of talks after requests from the Lebanese government.
• Israeli air strikes continue in Lebanon, resulting in 21 deaths in recent attacks, while Hezbollah has launched rockets into northern Israel, including the farthest strike at Ashdod, which was intercepted.
• There is significant disagreement over whether Lebanon was included in the recent US-Iran ceasefire, with Pakistan and Iran affirming inclusion, while the US and Israel deny it, leading to conflicting claims about violations.
• Netanyahu announced plans for direct negotiations aiming to disarm Hezbollah and achieve a sustainable peace agreement, marking a rare move as the two countries have historically communicated only through intermediaries.
• The ongoing conflict has caused severe humanitarian impacts in Lebanon, with over 357 deaths, more than 1,223 injuries, over a million displaced people, and escalating food costs, prompting warnings from UN aid agencies.