Saudi foreign minister, US envoy Hochstein discuss developments in Lebanon

By Mohammed Al Ragawi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed the current developments in Lebanon with the US envoy to Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, on Saturday.

The discussion occurred during a meeting between bin Farhan and Hochstein in the Qatari capital, Doha, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2024, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The meeting focused on “current developments in Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the situation.”

The two-day Doha Forum 2024 is being held in Doha with the theme "The Inevitability of Innovation."

According to official estimates, over 4,500 participants from more than 150 countries are in attendance, including seven heads of state, seven prime ministers, and 15 foreign ministers.

On Nov. 27, a cease-fire deal between Israel and Lebanon came into force in the hope of ending 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. It is, however, described as fragile, as nearly 150 Israeli violations were documented by Lebanon.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line—a de facto border—in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Implementation of the agreement is to be overseen by the US and France, but details on enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.

Over 4,000 people have been killed and more than 16,500 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and over 1 million others have been displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala