Delegations from Israel and Lebanon convened in Washington, D.C. for their first direct peace talks in decades, marking a significant diplomatic development. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the Israeli envoy Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese representative Nada Hamadeh Moawad, emphasizing the historic nature of the discussions. Rubio expressed hope that a framework for lasting peace could be established. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the negotiations should aim to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people, particularly in the south, and called for the Lebanese army to take responsibility for security along the internationally recognized border. However, the talks face opposition from Hezbollah, which has continued its military operations against Israel during the negotiations. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from 17 nations, including the United Kingdom and several European countries, have called for both parties to take advantage of this opportunity for peace and to de-escalate tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with over 2,000 people killed and more than one million displaced since hostilities escalated in March.