New Delhi, April 9 -- Wall Street stock indices rose on Thursday as optimism regarding the Middle East truce's stability grew after Israel announced its intention to enter direct discussions with Lebanon.

As of 1 p.m. Eastern Time, the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite was 0.7% higher.

As of 10 a.m. Eastern Time, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite was 0.2% lower.

Investors are currently assessing the likelihood of a precarious ceasefire holding and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for rehabilitating oil and gas deliveries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that...