Israel continues its attacks in Lebanon and Gaza with “full force,” despite calls from the US and allies for a ceasefire. Following the intense showdown between Hezbollah and Israel on Monday, civilians across the country exist in a state of fear and shock. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that at least 92 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, with hundreds more casualties since the escalation of strikes began on Monday.
The pace at which the conflict in Lebanon developed prompted the UK and EU to propose a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Wednesday. Initially, the proposal was met with promise after the Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said his country was “open to ideas.” However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu later clarified that there would be “no ceasefire in Lebanon.”.
Upon arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly, Israeli PM Netanyahu stated that Israel would “not stop” in Lebanon until it achieves all its objectives, with the primary goal being the safe return of residents from the north to their homes.
Israeli Air Force (IAF) Commander Maj Gen Tomer Bar alerted troops on Thursday that they should be “prepared” to assist with a “ground maneuver” into Lebanon, confirming the possibility of open fire conflict between the factions in the coming days. On Thursday evening, Israel’s defense ministry (IMoD) announced it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the US to support its ongoing military operations in the Middle East.
