Hezbollah Continues Missile Barrages As West Proposes Ceasefire

Jerusalem, 26 September, 2024 (TPS) -- Hezbollah continued firing missiles at Israel on Thursday after several countries proposed a ceasefire to resolve the crisis diplomatically.

The Israel Defense Forces said it detected about 45 missile launches crossing into Israel from Lebanon. Some were intercepted while the rest fell in open areas. The volley appeared to target the coastal city of Akko. The Magen David Adom emergency response organization said it has so far received no calls at its hotline. One person was treated for an anxiety attack.

Meanwhile, Israeli jets continued striking Hezbollah assets in southern Lebanon. Targets included terrorists, military buildings, ammunition depots and warehouses.

The proposed ceasefire would last 21 days and take effect immediately “to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement.” The statement, signed by the US, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar did not mention Israel or Hezbollah by name. Critics said it did not take into account Iran’s support for Hezbollah.

The proposal was immediately denounced by residents of northern Israel. Around 63,500 residents of northern Israel were forced to evacuate their homes when Hezbollah began launching rockets and drones in October. The terror group has launched more than 9,300 rockets and drones, killing 49 people on the Israeli side. Hezbollah leaders have repeatedly said they will continue the attacks to prevent Israelis from returning to their homes.

Expectations of a ground invasion rose on Wednesday following comments by Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and an announcement that the military was remobilizing two reservist brigades for the northern front. Immediately following a meeting of the Security Cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for the US, where he is scheduled to address the opening session of the United General Assembly on Friday.

Israeli officials have been calling for Hezbollah to be disarmed and removed from southern Lebanon in compliance with UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War.