Hezbollah has set forth conditions for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Lebanese government on a ceasefire, but has put forward a series of difficult demands on Jerusalem. The key points include the complete withdrawal of IDF forces from the south of the country and a definitive end to attacks on Lebanese targets. 

This was reported by the NYT.

The conditions also include ensuring the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced persons to their homes, a process complicated by Israel’s intentions to maintain a presence in the occupied territories. Naim Qassem emphasized that the militants will remain on high alert and will not rely solely on diplomatic efforts. At the same time, the U.S. State Department reiterated that, under the terms of previous agreements, the group must be completely disarmed.

The conflict escalated last month following a Hezbollah attack on Israel in support of Iran, which is an ally of Russia in regional conflicts. In response, the Israeli army launched a large-scale ground operation, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people on both sides. The issue of disarming the group remains critical, as the Lebanese government effectively has no control over these paramilitary formations. Negotiations for a lasting ceasefire are ongoing with the mediation of international partners amid the constant threat of renewed active hostilities.

Earlier, Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

In Lebanon, a French peacekeeper was killed during shelling, and three other soldiers were wounded and evacuated. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the incident, attributing responsibility to “Hezbollah” or forces affiliated with it. Paris is demanding an investigation and punishment for those responsible.