Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Wednesday that efforts are underway to prolong the ceasefire with Israel that was established on April 17. During a meeting with a parliamentary committee, Aoun emphasized the importance of these contacts, as highlighted in a statement from the presidency.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Aoun stressed the commitment to resolving the current crisis in Lebanon, stating, "We will not spare any effort to end the abnormal situation Lebanon is currently experiencing." The ongoing discussions and consultations aim to protect Lebanese sovereignty across its entire territory.

The president outlined the objectives of the upcoming negotiations, which focus on halting Israeli attacks, securing Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese land, ensuring the return of detainees, deploying the Lebanese army to international borders, and rebuilding areas devastated by the conflict.

Significantly, the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held their first meeting in 43 years in Washington on April 14, where they agreed to commence direct peace negotiations.

According to Israeli Channel 15, the second round of talks between the two nations is scheduled for Thursday in Washington. Since the start of Israel's offensive on March 2, the conflict has resulted in approximately 2,300 deaths, over 7,500 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1 million people, based on official statistics.

A 10-day ceasefire was brokered in Lebanon by US President Donald Trump on April 17, providing a temporary reprieve amid the ongoing tensions.