The newly brokered cease-fire deal in Lebanon, mediated by the U.S., faces significant hurdles. Despite the agreement, violence persisted on Thursday with Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.
The cease-fire requires Hezbollah to halt its actions first. However, the group’s leader, Naim Qassem, rejected these terms. Meanwhile, Israel announced it would maintain its offensive.
Hours after the deal was announced, its limitations emerged. The agreement requires Hezbollah to withdraw from border areas and stop attacks, yet Israel need not make immediate concessions. Hezbollah’s absence from negotiations leaves Lebanon’s government with little influence to enforce compliance.
“As long as the occupation continues, the resistance will continue,”
Qassem stated. He demanded a comprehensive cease-fire, insisting it include an end to Israel’s operations and withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories since March.
Thursday saw Hezbollah launching rocket and drone strikes on Israeli forces, while Israeli airstrikes continued in southern Lebanon. This highlighted the limited impact of the cease-fire on military actions and the unchanged condition for civilians.
Leave a Reply