Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal backed by america, which referred to as for a 21-day pause in hostilities with Lebanon. The refusal got here as Israel continues its navy operations in opposition to Hezbollah, with no indicators of de-escalation in sight.
Netanyahu, who was in New York to deal with the United Nations Normal Meeting, made it clear that Israel’s airstrikes in opposition to Hezbollah targets would persist till the nation achieves its goals. The Israeli chief careworn that the navy’s marketing campaign would proceed with out interruption, regardless of worldwide stress to halt the combating.
“We’re persevering with to strike Hezbollah with full pressure, and we won’t cease till we attain all our targets,” Netanyahu stated. His key goal, he added, is making certain the protection of Israel’s northern residents, lots of whom have been displaced as a consequence of ongoing battle.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Hezbollah Drone Commander
Netanyahu’s remarks got here shortly after the Israeli navy confirmed the killing of Mohammad Hussein Srour, Hezbollah’s drone unit commander, in an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Srour’s loss of life was later confirmed by Hezbollah, additional escalating tensions between the 2 sides.
Rising Civilian Toll in Lebanon
As Israeli airstrikes proceed, the civilian toll in Lebanon has risen sharply. Lebanon’s international minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, reported that round half one million folks have been displaced contained in the nation as a result of bombardment. Lebanon’s well being ministry stated on Thursday that 92 folks had been killed within the final 24 hours, with 153 others injured.
Because the renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah started in October final yr, greater than 1,500 folks have been killed, with over 700 casualties recorded since Monday. The humanitarian disaster in Lebanon is changing into more and more dire, with either side struggling important losses.
Worldwide Requires a Ceasefire
U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin, talking from London, emphasised that one other large-scale struggle would have devastating penalties for each Israel and Lebanon. He referred to as for a diplomatic resolution to the battle, noting that navy actions would solely deepen the struggling of displaced civilians on either side of the border.
French President Emmanuel Macron additionally expressed grave concern, warning in opposition to Lebanon “changing into a brand new Gaza.” He pointed to the excessive variety of civilian casualties as “completely surprising” and referred to as for a right away pause in combating to keep away from additional escalation.
Threat of Regional Escalation
There are rising fears that the battle may spiral right into a wider regional struggle. Israel’s plans for a potential floor invasion of Lebanon have heightened these considerations. A broader battle would have far-reaching implications for the Center East, with neighboring nations akin to Saudi Arabia and Qatar additionally urging an finish to the violence.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati had earlier expressed hope for a ceasefire, however Israel’s continued navy motion has dashed these prospects for now.
