Hezbollah Rejects Ceasefire, Iran-Israel Peace Prospects at Risk
The pro-Iran Hezbollah movement rejected a new ceasefire in Lebanon on Thursday (May 4), while Israel reaffirmed that it would not withdraw its troops from the country. The move undermines U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to halt fighting and advance a peace initiative with Tehran.
Iran has insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a key condition for any peace agreement with Washington. In recent days, Tehran hinted it could intervene directly to support its proxy, Hezbollah, if Israel continues or escalates attacks.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours once all concerned parties approve it. However, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the U.S. declaration, asserting that “resistance will continue.” There was no immediate response from Israel, Lebanon, or the U.S. regarding Qassem’s statement.
Israel continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that its forces would not withdraw or suspend operations in the area, which Israel entered in March alongside the conflict in Iran.
The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Quds Force — the group that established Hezbollah in 1982 — stressed that the “minimum demand of the resistance” is for Israel to withdraw to its positions prior to the start of the war. Official statements said Israel must stop attacks, evacuate occupied areas, and retreat behind international borders.
Hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel reignited on March 2, when the group fired in support of Tehran following U.S.-Israeli strikes. The war has continued despite several ceasefires announced by Washington since April.(mrv)
Source : Newsmaker.id
