UPDATE ON THE SITUATION – “The extension, once again, of the aggression of the Israeli enemy against the Lebanese regions (…) confirms its refusal of all efforts made to obtain a ceasefire,” declared the Prime Minister Lebanese.
The southern suburbs of Beirut, stronghold of pro-Iranian Hezbollah, were targeted by a series of Israeli airstrikes Friday morning, as the United States tries to move toward a ceasefire in Lebanon.
A few days before the American presidential election, the visit to Jerusalem by emissaries Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk aims in particular to find a solution to more than a month of war between Israel and the Lebanese Islamist movement, supported by Iran.
Israel's extension of strikes signals its 'refusal' of any ceasefire, says Lebanese prime minister
“The extension, once again, of the aggression of the Israeli enemy against the Lebanese regions (…) and the fact that it has once again targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut with destructive raids, are so many indicators which confirm its refusal of all efforts made to obtain a ceasefire”Najib Mikati said in a statement.
Israeli aircraft carried out at least ten strikes Friday at dawn on the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of pro-Iranian Hezbollah, for the first time this week, as it continues its intensive raids on the south and east of Lebanon.
According to the Lebanese Prime Minister, “Israeli statements and diplomatic signals that Lebanon has received confirm Israel's obstinacy in rejecting the proposed solutions”.
Bombings on the southern suburbs of Beirut
The night was marked by new bombings on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, regularly targeted in recent weeks by the Israeli army which had launched a call to evacuate several sectors.
The Lebanese National Agency (ANI) reported at least 10 strikes. According to images broadcast by AFPTV, they caused strong explosions and thick plumes of smoke then rose from the area. “The raids caused massive destruction in the targeted areas and dozens of buildings were razed”reported ANI, also reporting the outbreak of fires.
At least 1,820 dead in Lebanon
The war that has raged since October 7, 2023 in the Gaza Strip has spread to Lebanon, where Israel has been carrying out massive airstrikes against Hezbollah since September 23.
At least 1,829 people have been killed since September 23 in Lebanon, according to an AFP count based on official data.
Four Thai nationals killed on Thursday
In northern Israel on Thursday, rocket fire from Lebanon left seven people dead, according to local authorities, including four foreign agricultural workers in Metoula.
Thailand then reported the death of four nationals in this border town.
American plan
According to Israeli media citing government sources, the plan prepared by American envoys provides for a withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon, bordering northern Israel, as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli army from this region, control of which would return to the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeepers.
Lebanon would have the responsibility to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and Israel would retain its right to defend itself in accordance with international law, according to this document.
Israeli officials said the soldiers, engaged in a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since September 30, would not withdraw until an agreement that would meet Israel's security demands.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received American envoys on Thursday, assured “appreciate” support from Washington, while refusing to give in to pressure from its ally. “Terrorist armies will no longer be at our borders. Hamas will no longer control Gaza and Hezbollah will not establish itself on our northern border in positions capable of invading. Israel, he insisted.
But according to Israeli media, a ceasefire seems increasingly likely, after the Israeli chief of staff, General Herzi Halevi, reported the “total dismantling of the chain of command” you Hezbollah.
