Lebanon president pledges efforts to end conflict as truce is extended

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has pledged to exert all efforts to end the ongoing military conflict with Israel. During discussions, the Lebanese government outlined a framework for negotiations that includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a permanent ceasefire, the deployment of the Lebanese army to border regions, and the return of displaced citizens. In Washington, U.S. officials announced that the current ceasefire, which began on April 17, has been extended for an additional 45 days following a third round of negotiations. A new round of talks is scheduled for June 2 and 3. Despite the existing truce, continued military operations have resulted in over 400 fatalities in Lebanon according to government-linked figures. The militant group Hezbollah has openly rejected these negotiations, which are the first direct talks between the two nations in decades, specifically opposing terms regarding their disarmament. President Aoun emphasized that any discussions outside the agreed-upon Lebanese framework are considered incorrect.