New Delhi. Peace efforts in West Asia have suffered a major setback. Iran-backed Hezbollah has refused to accept the proposed new ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Along with this, Israel has also made it clear that its army will not retreat from Southern Lebanon. Both incidents have complicated US President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce tensions on the Lebanon and Iran front.
An agreement was recently drawn up between Israel and the Lebanese government under US mediation. Under this, a plan was made to stop the activities of Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon and completely hand over control of the area to the Lebanese Army. But Hezbollah chief Naeem Qasim rejected this proposal outright.
Hezbollah says that he was not a part of this conversation, therefore any decision taken regarding him is not acceptable. The organization has indicated that it will continue its military presence and activities. On the other hand, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has also adopted a tough stance. He said that the Israeli army will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and the ongoing military operations there will also continue. It is noteworthy that Israel had also started military action in Lebanon in March parallel to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The situation is considered more difficult because Iran has already said that ceasefire in Lebanon is a necessary condition for any peace agreement with America. In recent days, Tehran has also indicated that it may consider direct intervention if Israel continues attacks in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continue in southern Lebanon. According to local sources, many people died in the drone attacks on Wednesday. On the other hand, Israel claims that it shot down a suspicious air target sent by Hezbollah.
Regional tensions are not limited to Lebanon alone. This week, attacks and retaliation have also been seen in Gaza, Northern Israel, Kuwait and the Gulf region. Although ceasefire was announced several times by America, the conflict on the ground has not stopped completely.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is trying to reach an agreement with Iran. America wants the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened and new conditions to be set on Iran’s nuclear program. But the ongoing conflict in Lebanon is becoming the biggest obstacle to these efforts.
Analysts believe that unless Hezbollah, Israel and Iran agree on a common formula, there is little chance of lasting peace in Lebanon. At present the situation indicates that the path to ceasefire still remains long and difficult.
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