UMVA has learned that the leader of Hezbollah has rejected the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal in the process.
In a bold statement, Naim Kassem said the agreement’s demand that Hezbollah fighters leave southern Lebanon under fire would mean “surrender, defeat and achieving the enemy’s goals.” This rejection comes after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a renewed ceasefire on Wednesday, which would only occur if a “complete cessation” of fire by Iran-backed Hezbollah is achieved.
According to information obtained by UMVA, evacuation of Hezbollah’s operatives from southern Lebanon was also needed before a ceasefire begins. This latest development has raised concerns about the prospects of peace in the region.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he’s awaiting a response from Hezbollah to a potential ceasefire pact with Israel, which could start within 24 hours if the militant group agrees to it. Aoun’s statement has sparked hopes that a deal may still be possible.
Tragedy struck hours after a renewed ceasefire was agreed to between Israel and Lebanon, as a United Nations Interim Force peacekeeper was killed and two others were injured after a mortar shell hit their position near Marjayoun in southern Lebanon. The incident has sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
In a significant rebuke to the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s war powers on Iran. The vote, which saw four Republican representatives cross party lines to support the resolution, has been seen as a major criticism of how the administration has handled the Middle East conflict.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Trump took to social media to chastize the four Republicans who defied him, labeling them “GRANDSTANDERS” and accusing Democrats of being fueled by “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The controversy has highlighted the deep divisions in Washington over the handling of the Iran conflict.
