Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the White House hopes to convince China to "play a more active role" in resolving the conflict.

Escalation before talks: Israeli drone and air strikes killed at least 12 in Lebanon on the eve of U.S.-mediated negotiations aimed at reinforcing a shaky ceasefire. Ceasefire under strain: Lebanese officials report thousands of homes damaged or destroyed ...

President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon are set to resume peace talks in Washington.

By Laila Bassam and Steven Scheer WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, May 14 (Reuters) - Lebanon will demand Israel cease fire at face-to-face talks that began in Washington on Thursday, a senior Lebanese official said,

Lebanon and Israel will hold Washington peace talks as ceasefire nears expiry, amid ongoing strikes, casualties, and tensions over Hezbollah, with US mediation pushing for stability, disarmament, and extended truce efforts.

Also: Péter Magyar becomes Hungary's new prime minister after 16 years of Viktor Orbán's rule; Russia's Victory Day is marked with muted celebrations amid the Ukraine war; Indonesian authorities crack down on an alleged online gambling ring;

BEIRUT, May 11 (Reuters) - Lebanon's president has urged the United States to put pressure on Israel to cease fire and stop home demolitions in south Lebanon, the presidency said on Monday, as the death toll from Israeli attacks rose.