Israel Rejects 21-Day Ceasefire Proposal, Vows to Continue Fighting Hezbollah
In a move that has sparked widespread concern and criticism, Israel has rejected a 21-day ceasefire proposal led by its key backer, the United States, and vowed to continue fighting Hezbollah militants "until victory".
The decision comes as Israeli bombing of Iran-backed Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon has killed hundreds of people this week, with the militant group retaliating with rocket barrages. The Israeli military has struck about 75 targets in the eastern Bekaa valley and southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah launching dozens of rockets at northern Israel.
The United States, France, and other allies had called for a 21-day halt, citing the "intolerable" situation in Lebanon and the need for a diplomatic settlement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he had "not even responded" to the proposal, and that he had ordered the military to continue fighting with full force.
The situation in Lebanon has become increasingly dire, with over 1,500 people killed since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah erupted last October. On Thursday alone, Israeli strikes killed 92 people and injured 153, with more than 700 people killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since Monday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the call for a ceasefire, saying it was necessary to provide space for a diplomatic settlement. The Israeli defence ministry, however, announced a new $8.7-billion aid package from the United States to support the country’s ongoing military efforts, underscoring Washington’s unwillingness to use its military aid as leverage for a ceasefire.
For many on both sides of the border, the violence has sparked bitter memories of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel that killed 1,200 people in Lebanon and 160 Israelis. Hassan Slim, who fled his southern Lebanon home seeking safety in war-battered Syria, said: "We didn’t think the situation would degenerate so quickly. Now war is at our doorstep and we have to flee."
In Israel, some like 67-year-old David Lander believe war is the only way to restore calm. "I’m against a temporary ceasefire," he said. "I want the citizens of the north to be able to go back to their homes."
The conflict has also seen a significant displacement of civilians, with over 118,000 people forced to flee their homes in Lebanon in the past week alone. The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the world waits with bated breath for a resolution to this devastating conflict.
