Hezbollah rejects US‑brokered ceasefire as Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon

Israel's air force struck several villages in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah rejected a truce negotiated by the United States in Washington. Israeli officials warned residents of six towns and villages, including Sarafand and three villages north of the Litani River, to evacuate at least 1,000 metres from any Hezbollah activity. The strikes killed at least 15 people in the city of Tyre and displaced thousands, with reports of casualties in nearby villages such as Arqoun.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the cease‑fire proposal, stating “the ceasefire must be comprehensive … without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill.” The group demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army would continue operations and retain the freedom to strike Beirut if Hezbollah attacks Israeli communities.

The United Nations has appealed for $640 million to assist the 1.4 million Lebanese people whose humanitarian situation is worsening amid the fighting.