Hezbollah Firmly Rejects Unfit Truce Amid Relentless Israeli Assault on Baalbek: A Tense Standoff Unfolds
Naim Qassem, the newly appointed leader of Hezbollah, announced the group’s steadfast resolve to continue its conflict with Israel until acceptable ceasefire terms are met. This declaration follows intensified Israeli bombardments on Baalbek, an ancient eastern Lebanese city, after forced evacuation orders. In a prerecorded address, Qassem stated, “We will not beg for a ceasefire,” emphasizing that political efforts for a deal have not yet borne fruit. International mediators are actively seeking negotiated ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza amid rising tensions.
Qassem replaces Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike in September. Despite setbacks, including the assassination of several high-ranking officials, Qassem asserts that Hezbollah remains capable of sustaining a long-term conflict. Notably, Hezbollah recently launched a drone attack near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence. Coordination continues with Nabih Berri, the Lebanese Parliament Speaker, though no ceasefire proposal has been mutually agreeable.
As Qassem spoke, Israeli airstrikes targeted Baalbek, causing massive evacuations. Lebanese civil defense and local authorities urged residents to flee, resulting in chaotic scenes as tens of thousands, mostly Shia Muslims, sought refuge. In nearby Deir al-Ahmar, over 10,000 displaced individuals are already sheltering in makeshift accommodations. Despite the humanitarian crisis, fighting persists around Khiam in southern Lebanon, marking Israel’s deepest military incursion since hostilities began.
The conflict, which intensified in October, has resulted in over 2,790 deaths and 12,700 injuries in Lebanon, with 1.2 million people displaced according to government figures. The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian aid to address the escalating crisis.
Original Story https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/30/hezbollah-says-will-only-accept-suitable-truce-as-israel-pounds-baalbek
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Publish Date: 2024-10-30 22:48:00
