• Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects any ceasefire without guarantees for Lebanese security, accusing Israel and the U.S. of continued aggression.
  • Israel Defense Forces report new airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, citing militant activity near troops.
  • Hezbollah claims 11 attacks in a single day, the highest since the truce began, with over 2,600 killed and 8,000 injured so far.

No Ceasefire in Sight

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem publicly ruled out a ceasefire on Tuesday, saying the group will not agree to any deal that undermines Lebanon's security, as Israeli airstrikes and ground clashes intensify across southern Lebanon. Qassem accused Israel and the United States of ongoing aggression, according to people familiar with his remarks. The comments come as violence escalates, with Hezbollah claiming 11 attacks on Israeli positions in one day—the highest daily tally since the fragile truce collapsed.

Israel Steps Up Strikes

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed fresh strikes on dozens of Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including rocket launchers and observation posts, after reporting militant activity near its troops along the border. Evacuation orders were issued for several communities in the area, and casualties continue to mount. A military spokesperson said the strikes were in response to "immediate threats," but declined to comment on broader ceasefire talks.

Rising Toll

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 2,600 people have been killed and more than 8,000 wounded since the conflict escalated, with civilian areas hit by airstrikes. Rescue workers struggled to reach affected zones as fresh bombings hampered efforts. Attempts to reach Hezbollah officials for additional comment were unsuccessful.

Stalled Diplomacy

International efforts to broker a ceasefire have stalled, with Hezbollah insisting on security guarantees before any halt to hostilities, while Israel demands the group’s withdrawal from border areas. Experts say the coming days could see further escalation, as neither side appears ready to compromise. A U.S. official familiar with the talks described the situation as "extremely fragile."