Truce hopes fade as fighting continues, France backs diplomatic push

Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian

Talk of a humanitarian truce for Eid al-Fitr has been met with escalation on the ground, underscoring that a ceasefire remains distant. Israel is pressing ahead with its war on Lebanon, while Hezbollah continues to launch rockets.

Between the two, French diplomacy is moving, backing an initiative by President Joseph Aoun aimed at separating the Lebanese front from the broader regional war.

Paris is seeking to achieve two main objectives: a framework for a ceasefire and the launch of an internationally sponsored negotiation track.

But the core problem remains unchanged. Israel insists on negotiating under fire, while Lebanon is pushing for a truce first, arguing that a return to the army’s “Homeland Shield” plan under bombardment is not feasible.

Calls for a ceasefire first were conveyed directly and succinctly to French Ambassador Hervé Magro by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri: “A ceasefire, then we talk.”

Meanwhile, Israel has been channeling questions to Lebanon through French intermediaries, asking who would guarantee Hezbollah’s commitment to halt rocket fire if Israel stops its military operations.

So far, there have been no tangible breakthroughs.

Paris acknowledges that lowering demands is still premature but believes current efforts could lay the groundwork for common points to be put on the negotiating table when conditions mature.