BEIRUT  — In a recent televised address, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, Naim Kassem, called on the Lebanese government to intensify efforts to stop Israeli airstrikes targeting the country. His remarks came just a day after an Israeli airstrike hit a suburb of Beirut.

Kassem emphasized that Hezbollah had fully complied with the ceasefire agreement that ended the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war in late November. Despite this, he said, Israel continues its near-daily airstrikes on Lebanon, violating the terms of the truce.

Kassem’s statements came as the Israeli military reported carrying out over 50 airstrikes in Lebanon this month, accusing Hezbollah of breaching the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. On Sunday, Israeli warplanes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs for the third time since the ceasefire took effect, targeting a precision-guided missile facility. This attack followed a warning issued by Israel about an hour before the strike.

“We fulfilled our part of the ceasefire agreement 100%,” Kassem said. “Now, it is the responsibility of the Lebanese government to ensure our protection.” He urged Lebanese officials to reach out to the international sponsors of the ceasefire, pressuring Israel to stop its ongoing attacks.

Kassem also turned his attention to the United States, urging Lebanese leaders to push Washington to recognize that Lebanon’s stability is in America’s interest. He stressed that Lebanon cannot recover or prosper as long as Israel’s aggression continues.

The Hezbollah leader reiterated that the immediate priorities should be securing an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, halting Israeli airstrikes, and securing the release of Lebanese detainees held in Israel since the conclusion of the war in November.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel erupted in full-scale war last September, following waves of Israeli airstrikes that targeted Hezbollah’s senior leaders, resulting in over 4,000 casualties. Hezbollah began launching rockets, drones, and missiles into Israel in retaliation for the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and led to the abduction of 251 others.

Since the ceasefire was brokered, Lebanon has suffered significant casualties, with the Lebanese government reporting that 190 people have been killed and 485 injured by Israeli strikes.

Kassem’s message highlights growing frustrations in Lebanon over the continued Israeli airstrikes and the need for stronger action from the Lebanese government to protect its sovereignty and its citizens.

Source: AP News – Hezbollah leader calls on government to work harder to end Israel’s attacks on Lebanon

The post Hezbollah Urges Government Action to Stop Israeli Attacks on Lebanon appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tentatively approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, according to a source familiar with the ongoing negotiations. The agreement, discussed during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night, remains contingent on resolving key details, which were expected to be relayed to the Lebanese government on Monday.

Negotiation Status

While progress has been made, Israeli officials still have reservations about parts of the proposal. These concerns, along with other details, are under negotiation. Multiple sources emphasized that the agreement will not be finalized until all outstanding issues are resolved. Approval by the Israeli cabinet, a crucial step, has not yet occurred.

Positive Momentum, Fragile Process

Negotiators remain optimistic about reaching an agreement, though tensions between Israel and Hezbollah persist. Both sides have continued exchanging fire, and sources warned that any misstep could derail the talks.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been mediating the negotiations, expressed optimism during his visit to Beirut last week, describing discussions as “constructive” and “very good” in narrowing gaps. He stated, “We have a real opportunity to bring conflict to an end. The window is now.” Hochstein has since traveled to Israel to finalize the discussions.

Proposed Ceasefire Terms

The U.S.-backed proposal seeks a 60-day cessation of hostilities, which some hope could pave the way for a more permanent ceasefire. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati indicated that Beirut responded positively to the proposal, and many aspects of the draft agreement have reportedly been resolved.

On Sunday, U.S. officials reportedly pressed Israel to respond favorably to the ceasefire deal. Hochstein allegedly warned the Israeli ambassador to Washington that he might withdraw from mediation efforts if progress stalls.

Conflict Background

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since October 8 of last year, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza. This triggered months of cross-border skirmishes, culminating in Israel’s major military offensive in mid-September.

The offensive has included ground invasions, targeted killings of Hezbollah leaders—most notably its founder Hassan Nasrallah—and widespread destruction, injuring thousands of people. The violence underscores the urgency of achieving a ceasefire to halt further bloodshed.

Next Steps

Both sides must agree on unresolved terms for the ceasefire to proceed. The coming days are critical, as mediators work to finalize an agreement that could bring a temporary halt to hostilities and potentially lay the groundwork for lasting peace.

Source

The post Israel and Hezbollah Move Toward Ceasefire: Key Details and Challenges appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.