Ceasefire announced, then rejected
The United States announced a renewed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday night after fresh talks in Beirut. But within hours, Hezbollah publicly rejected the deal, saying it failed to guarantee the removal of Israeli forces from disputed border areas.
A Hezbollah spokesman said the group was not consulted during the negotiations and called the agreement "a one-sided arrangement that rewards aggression." The Israeli government said it would press ahead with military operations along the northern border.
Diplomatic efforts in turmoil
The rejection marks the latest setback for US-led mediation efforts. Previous ceasefire attempts collapsed in May after both sides accused each other of violations. The Biden administration had pressed for a pause in fighting ahead of planned talks on a permanent border settlement.
Lebanon's caretaker government, which was not directly party to the deal, expressed disappointment. Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on all sides to return to negotiations, warning that continued fighting would deepen Lebanon's economic crisis.
Human cost mounts
Cross-border exchanges have killed more than 200 people in Lebanon since October, mostly fighters but also dozens of civilians. On the Israeli side, rocket fire has killed at least 15 people and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from northern communities.
The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, said it remained ready to support any agreement. "The alternative to a political solution is more destruction and more loss of life," a UNIFIL spokesperson said.