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Israel dismissed international calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah on Thursday, including those from its key ally, the U.S., as it continued airstrikes in Lebanon, escalating concerns of a full-scale regional conflict. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Beirut killed two people and injured 15 others, including a woman in critical condition. This brought the death toll from strikes overnight and on Thursday to 28.
The strike caused smoke to rise near an area that hosts multiple Hezbollah facilities, where many civilians also live and work. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV showed images of the damaged upper floor of a building hit in the attack.
The attack also claimed the life of Mohammad Surur, the head of one of Hezbollah’s air force units, according to two security sources. He is the latest senior Hezbollah commander to be killed in recent targeted assassinations against the group’s leadership.
The strike caused smoke to rise near an area that hosts multiple Hezbollah facilities, where many civilians also live and work. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV showed images of the damaged upper floor of a building hit in the attack.
Israel has pledged to secure its northern border and facilitate the return of thousands of citizens who have evacuated since Hezbollah began cross-border attacks last year in support of Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Meanwhile, on the Israeli side of the Lebanon border, the army conducted a military exercise simulating a ground invasion, which could follow the ongoing airstrikes and the destruction of communication devices. Israel has pledged to secure its northern border and facilitate the return of thousands of citizens who have evacuated since Hezbollah began cross-border attacks last year in support of Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Earlier, allies, including the U.S., UK, and EU, have called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon following an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The 12-nation coalition proposed an immediate 21-day halt to hostilities to “create space for diplomacy” and work toward a peaceful settlement, as well as a ceasefire in Gaza.
The joint statement was signed by the U.S., Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar.
In a joint statement, they described the ongoing violence as “intolerable” and warned of the “unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation” that would not benefit the people of Israel or Lebanon. The appeal comes after Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Halevi, told troops on Wednesday that airstrikes in Lebanon could pave the way for a ground invasion into Hezbollah-controlled territory.
Halevi’s remarks mark the clearest signal yet that Israel is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon.
The joint statement was signed by the U.S., Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar. It followed a meeting of world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York.
In a separate joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a resolution “that ensures safety and security, allowing civilians to return to their homes.” They expressed concern that the current hostilities could lead to “a much broader conflict” and harm to civilians.
A senior U.S. official said that neither Israel nor Lebanon has accepted the ceasefire proposal yet, though discussions with both governments are ongoing, with formal responses expected soon.
“We have worked together over the past few days to call for a temporary ceasefire, giving diplomacy a chance to succeed and prevent further escalation across the border,” the statement added.
President Biden briefly addressed reporters at the White House on Wednesday evening, noting strong support from both Europe and Arab nations, and stressing the importance of preventing the war from expanding.
A senior U.S. official said that neither Israel nor Lebanon has accepted the ceasefire proposal yet, though discussions with both governments are ongoing, with formal responses expected soon. The official clarified that the proposed 21-day ceasefire would be a “sustained phase” for further negotiations, aimed at reaching a “complex agreement.”
The U.S. is negotiating with Lebanon’s government, leaving it to Lebanese authorities to manage talks with non-state actors such as Hezbollah.
