Lebanon and Israel peace talks

Ambassadors from Lebanon and Israel are set to meet in Washington for rare direct negotiations aimed at brokering a ceasefire.

The talks, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, take place as Israeli forces continue their ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has urged the Lebanese government to pull out of the talks, dismissing them as a ploy to force the group to disarm.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon continues to deepen, with officials estimating that over $1 billion will be needed to sustain relief efforts.