Fri Sep 20 07:36:24 UTC 2024: ## US Officials Cast Doubt on Imminent Gaza Ceasefire, While Conflict Escalates in Lebanon

**LONDON** – Despite public statements suggesting a ceasefire in Gaza is achievable, top-level US officials have reportedly cast doubt on the possibility of an agreement before President Biden leaves office in January.

According to the Wall Street Journal, officials from the White House, State Department, and Pentagon have expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a deal. One official is quoted as saying, “No deal is imminent. I’m not sure it ever gets done.”

Further fueling concerns, former UK diplomat Lord Ricketts, a former national security chief, also ruled out a ceasefire in the near future, stating that Israel and Hezbollah are now engaged in an “escalation” of the conflict.

Two key obstacles remain in the way of a ceasefire: the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel is willing to release in exchange for hostages held by Hamas, and the growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in Lebanon, with Israel launching extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and other “terrorist sites”. These strikes, lasting over two hours, were some of the most intense in recent conflict. Hezbollah responded by launching strikes on military sites in northern Israel.

While the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously stated that 90% of a ceasefire deal has been agreed upon, the reported pessimism from US officials raises serious questions about the future of peace negotiations.

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