Lebanon, Israel begin final day of US-brokered Rome talks

Lebanese and Israeli delegations on Thursday began the final day of the seventh round of US-brokered negotiations in Rome, focusing on ceasefire implementation mechanisms and Lebanese army deployment to border areas, a Lebanese official told Anadolu.

Withdrawal mechanisms

The discussions center on completing Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory and strengthening the Lebanese army's presence in border regions, the source said. This round marks the second time talks have convened in the Italian capital after five previous sessions held in Washington, DC, as part of the US-sponsored process.

Violence continues amid diplomacy

Israeli forces have maintained military operations across Lebanon since March 2, including airspace violations over Beirut and Tyre alongside airstrikes and shelling in the south, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The continued hostilities come despite a US-mediated framework agreement signed on June 26 that provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal beginning with pilot models in designated areas.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,250 others since Tel Aviv expanded its military operations on March 2. The Rome negotiations represent the latest attempt to halt the violence through US-mediated diplomacy.