PREVIEW

Ayham, an 11-year-old scrap collector, his face covered with black soot, stands in front of destruction at the site of an Israeli air strike in Beirut. Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct diplomatic talks in more than 30 years. The talks are aimed at preparing negotiations to resolve Israel's conflict with pro-Iranian Hezbollah. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel the planned meeting with Israel, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with its foe.