Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, has rejected a proposed US-French 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, stating “There will be no ceasefire in the north.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also dismissed the proposal, instructing the IDF to continue fighting with full force. Over 600 people have been killed and thousands wounded in Lebanon since Israel began bombing, causing tens of thousands of Lebanese and Israelis to flee their homes.
The US and France had called for a temporary ceasefire to enable broader negotiations, aiming to prevent further harm to civilians. However, Israel’s hardline finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has rejected the ceasefire proposal, insisting on “crushing Hezbollah” as the only solution.
Israel’s military has struck numerous Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in additional casualties. The situation has led to a massive displacement crisis, with over 70,000 people seeking shelter in Lebanon. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks continue to escalate the conflict.
Tom Fletcher, the former UK ambassador to Lebanon, suggests key priorities to de-escalate the situation, including both sides halting escalation and reinstating state authority at the Israel-Lebanon border. He also emphasizes the importance of re-engaging with the Gaza ceasefire agreement to pave the way for a two-state solution.
The rejection of the ceasefire proposal by Israeli officials signals a determination to continue the fight against Hezbollah until victory. The ongoing violence in the region underscores the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians.
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