US Envoy Reports Failed Israel, Hezbollah Ceasefire

(MENAFN) US Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, stated on Monday that the truce agreement intended to end the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah has failed.

Speaking to journalists in Beirut, Barrack remarked, “The bottom line is, you have a cessation of hostilities agreement that's in effect, it didn't work, right? So, there's reasons why that cessation of hostilities agreement didn't work, which is part of what we're all trying to solve.”

His comments reflect growing concerns over the breakdown of peace efforts in the region.

Violent clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese organization Hezbollah intensified in September 2024, evolving into a widespread conflict.

Although a ceasefire was introduced in November, Israel has persisted with almost daily assaults in southern Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah activities as justification for their operations.

According to the truce terms, Israel was expected to pull back completely from southern Lebanon by January 26.

However, this timeline was postponed until February 18 after Israeli officials refused to comply. As of now, Israeli troops continue to occupy five military positions along the frontier.

Turning to developments in southern Syria’s Suwayda province, Barrack emphasized the necessity of enabling the Syrian regime to assume its duties.

He described the current conditions as dire, saying, “What's happened is horrible, it's unthinkable. And the hope is that out of this, a consolidation of these issues occurs quicker.”

Barrack added that the Syrian leadership must both be held responsible and given the opportunity to fulfill its role, stating, “You have a Syrian government, in effect, they need to be held accountable.

They also need to be given the responsibility that they're there to do.”

This assessment underscores the continuing instability in the region and the challenges facing international diplomatic efforts.

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