Hezbollah Leader Rejects Ceasefire Conditions from Israel

Hezbollah's leader, Sheikh Naïm Qassem, has firmly stated that the group will not accept any ceasefire agreement that compromises Lebanon's sovereignty, responding to Israel's demand for military freedom in Lebanese territory. In a televised address, he emphasized that negotiations for peace depend on Israel's seriousness, warning that failure to reach an agreement would lead Hezbollah to continue its military operations, including potential strikes on Tel Aviv. Qassem's comments coincide with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein's efforts to broker a ceasefire, amidst escalating tensions and Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. Israel's foreign minister reiterated that any ceasefire must ensure Israel's ability to act against Hezbollah if perceived as threatened. While there are reports of progress in negotiations, including an agreement to abide by UN Security Resolution 1701, the situation remains tense with significant military capabilities still held by Hezbollah. The outcome of the ongoing discussions will be crucial in determining the future of peace in the region.