The Iran-backed Hezbollah group has rejected the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Leader Naim Qassem stated in a televised address that "the ceasefire must be comprehensive... without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill." He urged the Lebanese government to end direct negotiations with Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz countered that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon near the border and would not allow Lebanese residents to return to their homes. Katz said the military would continue operations to dismantle "terrorist infrastructure" and that Israel had US backing to strike Beirut if attacked.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "crazy" in a phone call, admitting that Israeli strikes on Lebanon were complicating peace talks with Iran. Trump downplayed tensions, insisting their relationship was solid, but the admission signals growing pressure on him to end the conflict.
In a symbolic but telling blow, the US House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution to halt American military action against Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the vote, reflecting rising anti-war sentiment ahead of the November midterm elections. The resolution faces an uncertain future in the Senate and a likely presidential veto.
Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, killing one Indian national and injuring several others. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied responsibility, blaming a US Patriot interceptor malfunction. US Central Command dismissed the claim as false, calling it a "deliberate, calculated attack."
A UN peacekeeper from Serbia was killed and two others wounded by mortar fire near Marjayoun in southern Lebanon, bringing UNIFIL's death toll to seven since March. The force is deployed along the Blue Line border.
In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least nine Palestinians, including five members of one family, despite a ceasefire in effect since October. Israel controls over half of the enclave and has killed over 936 people since the truce began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei accused the US and Israel of trying to divide Iranian society, stating that the "malicious enemy" seeks to sow doubt, despair, fear, and division among the public.
Source: www.dw.com