Hezbollah has rejected the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. This decision comes as Israeli strikes reportedly killed four individuals in Lebanon, with a U.N. peacekeeper also losing their life in the crossfire.

Hezbollah’s Stance

Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Kassem, stated that the ceasefire’s terms, which require Hezbollah fighters to leave southern Lebanon, equate to surrender. He emphasized that as long as Lebanese villages remain unsafe, northern Israel would not be secure either.

Kassem criticized the negotiations as being designed to grant Israel control that it could not achieve through military means. The ongoing conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized significant territory, threatens efforts to resolve the Iran war and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

International Reactions

Iran has insisted that any lasting truce must include Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to continue the offensive until Hezbollah is no longer a threat. U.S. President Donald Trump has attempted to downplay the diplomatic stalemate, despite congressional criticism.

Impact on Civilians

The conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths in Lebanon and displaced more than 1.2 million people. In Israel, 27 soldiers and three civilians have died. Lebanese residents express skepticism over ceasefire announcements, citing repeated failures to halt the violence.

Ceasefire Negotiations

The ceasefire was brokered through U.S.-led talks between Israel and Lebanon’s government, which has accused Hezbollah of dragging the country into war. The agreement calls for Lebanon’s armed forces to take control of security zones, with U.S. support for the Lebanese army’s efforts to assert control.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the agreement as a final opportunity for a comprehensive ceasefire, pending responses from factions including Hezbollah. However, the terms do not specify when Israel will withdraw from southern Lebanon.

Regional Tensions

Iran continues to demand a full ceasefire in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The conflict has also led to exchanges between Iran and the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil and gas supplies.

Original reporting: KING5 Seattle — read the source article.