On October 8, Hezbollah announced its willingness to engage in cease-fire discussions with Israel, marking a significant shift in its stance following considerable losses in leadership and personnel over the past three weeks. The announcement came just hours after the militant group launched over 100 rockets toward Israel, targeting the northern city of Haifa, which is the country's third-largest city.
Hezbollah's deputy secretary general, Naim Qassem, expressed support for the political efforts of Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in pursuing a cease-fire. This proposal is notable as it is the first time Hezbollah has suggested a truce that is not contingent on the ongoing war in Gaza. Qassem stated, “We support the political efforts… under the banner of achieving a cease-fire,” adding that once a cease-fire is established, further discussions would take place collaboratively.
The missile attack on Haifa resulted in injuries, including a woman in her 70s who was wounded by shrapnel. This incident follows another missile barrage the day prior, which left two others injured.
Previously, Hezbollah had declared it would continue its assaults on Israel until an end to the conflict in Gaza was reached, with daily rocket fire since the beginning of the month. However, the recent leadership losses have changed the group's dynamics. Following the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, Israeli defense officials revealed that his likely successor, Hashem Safieddine, was also killed in an airstrike last week before he could officially take over.
In addition to the leaders, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut have resulted in the deaths of over a dozen high-ranking officials, including top commanders of Hezbollah’s elite military and missile units. The developments suggest a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with potential diplomatic efforts emerging amid the violence.
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