Lebanon Joins Ceasefire Talks Amid Beirut Strike Pressure

Lebanon plans to participate in upcoming talks in Washington with the United States and Israel aimed at securing a ceasefire, a senior Lebanese official said, as international pressure intensifies to prevent further Israeli strikes on Beirut.

The official said the meeting, expected next week, will focus on reaching an immediate ceasefire as a prerequisite for broader negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. A specific date for the talks has not yet been confirmed.

At the same time, European and Arab countries are increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel to avoid renewed attacks on the Lebanese capital. A Western diplomatic source said multiple governments, including Gulf states and Egypt, are working to prevent further escalation following recent deadly strikes on Beirut.

The push comes after a wave of Israeli airstrikes earlier this week described as the most intense since the outbreak of hostilities with Hezbollah in early March. Lebanese authorities reported that more than 300 people were killed and over 1,000 injured.

Despite a broader regional ceasefire involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, tensions remain high. 

Israel recently issued evacuation warnings for densely populated areas in southern Beirut and its suburbs, including zones that still house civilians, medical facilities, and key infrastructure such as the airport road.

The World Health Organization urged Israel to withdraw the evacuation warnings, noting that the affected areas include major hospitals with hundreds of patients. Lebanese officials said they have received assurances that critical infrastructure, including Rafic Hariri International Airport, will not be targeted as long as it remains dedicated to civilian use.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued in southern Lebanon, targeting several villages overnight. Emergency teams responded to fires and damage caused by the attacks.

Hezbollah reported launching rockets toward northern Israel and carrying out attacks against Israeli forces near the border.

The planned Washington talks signal renewed diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict, even as violence on the ground continues to threaten a broader escalation.