US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon were "in the final stages", and that a deal could help end the Gaza conflict.
"We're not there yet, but I believe we are in the final stages," Blinken told reporters after a meeting near Rome with G7 counterparts, adding that "by de-escalating tensions in the region, it can also help us to end the conflict in Gaza".
He was speaking as Israel's security cabinet convened to discuss a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as a flurry of air strikes hit central Beirut.
Blinken said that after months of "intensive diplomatic effort" with partners including France, working with Lebanon and Israel, he hoped to reach a conclusion "very soon".
"It will make a big difference in saving lives and livelihoods in Lebanon and in Israel. It will make a big difference in creating the conditions that will allow people to return to their home safely in northern Israel and in southern Lebanon," he said.
"And I also believe that by de-escalating tensions in the region, it can also help us to end the conflict in Gaza in particular."
"Hamas will know that it can't count on other fronts opening up in the war. So we're tracking this very closely, and I hope and believe that we can get this over the finish line."
The G7 -- Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Italy and the United States -- had also discussed aims to end the Gaza war, Blinken said.
With AFP
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