Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Lebanon, Hezbollah agree to US proposal for ceasefire with Israel

Lebanon and Hezbollah have agreed to a US-proposed ceasefire with Israel, with some reservations, according to a senior Lebanese official. Describing the initiative as the most serious attempt yet to end the ongoing conflict, Ali Hassan Khalil, an aide to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, confirmed that Lebanon had submitted its written response to the US ambassador in Beirut. He added that White House envoy Amos Hochstein is set to travel to Beirut to continue the discussions.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has authorized its long-time ally, Berri, to lead negotiations over the ceasefire terms.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes struck a densely populated neighborhood in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, targeting an area near the Parliament, several embassies, and the UN headquarters, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that the attack left at least five people dead and 31 others injured.

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06:05 (IST) Nov 19

Israel Gaza War Live: US Senate to consider measures blocking some arms sales to Israel

The US Senate plans to conduct a vote on April 17 regarding legislation aimed at halting weapons sales to Israel. This initiative has garnered support from legislators concerned about Israel's alleged interference with humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza's Palestinian population.

Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent aligned with the Democratic Party, introduced these "resolutions of disapproval". Despite strong cross-party backing for Israel making the resolutions' success unlikely, supporters believe this action might influence both Israeli authorities and the Biden administration to enhance civilian protection measures in Gaza.

The conflict, which began when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has now escalated into neighboring Lebanon. The initial attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel, most of them civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has led to significant casualties in Gaza. According to local health officials, over 43,800 Palestinians have been killed.